Are you ready to take your business to the next level?
Registering with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines is a crucial step towards compliance, growth, and contributing to the nation’s development.
I know firsthand how intimidating the registration process can be. I’ve been planning to register with the BIR for years, but the confusing procedures left me feeling overwhelmed.
In my quest for guidance, I reached out to various bookkeepers and tax services, only to find myself more confused than ever.
Realizing that the fees for professional assistance in registering with the BIR could be quite high, ranging from ₱6,000 to ₱25,000, I saw an opportunity to not only save a significant amount of money but also gain personal experience.
By understanding the registration process myself, I can share my journey through this blog post, with the hope of helping others who may be facing similar challenges.
Armed with determination, I embarked on my journey to become a registered taxpayer.
And now, I’m excited to share my experience with you.
I arrived at the BIR RDO 40 office in Fisher’s Mall, Quezon City at 9:30 AM, ready to tackle the process head-on. A valid ID is required upon entry, so make sure to bring yours along.
Once inside, head straight to the Concierge Counter, where a friendly officer will be waiting to assist you.
Concierge Counter: BIR Forms
Step one is informing them that you’re registering with the BIR and wish to avail of the 8% tax option.
They’ll provide you with two copies each of BIR Form 1901 (Application for Registration) and BIR Form 0605 (Payment Form), as well as a queue number and details of the counter where you’ll submit the forms.
Additionally, they’ll request a photocopy of your valid ID.
Fill out the forms accurately, but if you’re uncertain about certain sections, it’s okay to leave them blank and ask the officer for assistance later.
Now, it’s time to patiently wait for your queue number to be called.
In my case, I encountered a minor setback as the BIR registration system went offline for two hours, extending my wait from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
However, despite this hurdle, I remained optimistic and focused on achieving my goal.
Counter 2: New Business Registration
Finally, when my number was called, I proceeded to Counter 2, the New Business Registration Counter.
Here, I submitted the required documents: two copies each of BIR Form 1901 and BIR Form 0605, along with a photocopy of my valid ID.
A courteous staff member carefully reviewed my forms before endorsing me to Counter 3, where the BIR Officer of the Day awaited.
Counter 3: BIR Officer of the Day
The BIR Officer of the Day took the time to understand the purpose of my registration and the nature of my work as a writer who publishes articles on the internet.
Armed with this information, he selected the appropriate PSIC code (90009) and filled out the registration form accordingly. This code signifies my line of business as a writer.
With his endorsement, it was time to proceed to the RCO/Cashier.
Cashier: BIR Fees
At the Cashier’s counter, my forms underwent another thorough review before I paid the BIR annual fee of ₱500.
During this interaction, the Cashier also inquired about my choice of a printing shop for receipts. Since I hadn’t made any arrangements, he offered to handle the printing for me.
Considering the convenience and comparable fees, I accepted his offer, paying ₱1,300 for ten receipts. He assured me that my official receipts would be ready for pick-up in 1-2 weeks and noted down my contact information for notification purposes.
Additionally, the Cashier advised that for my line of business, two columnar notebooks would suffice for my Books of Accounts.
While he offered them for ₱130 each, I politely declined as I planned to purchase them at a more affordable price of ₱45 from the National Book Store.
Before concluding the process, I made copies of the BIR Payment Form 0605 and the Official Receipt and submitted them at Counter 2.
Counter 6: Book of Accounts
Following a satisfying lunch break with my dear friend, I proceeded to Counter 6, where I was instructed to acquire BIR Form 1905 from the Concierge Counter.
Armed with this form, I returned to Counter 6, where I filled it out and stamped the first page of my two columnar notebooks using the BIR’s official stamper.
Once again, my queue number was called, and I presented two copies of BIR Form 1905, a photocopy of my valid ID, and the two journals at Counter 6.
After verifying the documents, the staff at Counter 2 provided me with the official copy of my BIR Certificate of Registration—a tangible representation of my achievement.
By 2:30 PM, I had successfully completed the registration process, despite the temporary system downtime earlier in the day. This minor inconvenience aside, I couldn’t be happier with the smooth journey I experienced at the BIR RDO 40 office.
I’m finally registered!
Reflecting on this milestone, I’m filled with joy and relief.
The BIR registration experience exceeded my expectations, thanks to the friendly and approachable personnel at RDO 40.
Contrary to what I had feared based on negative online reviews, the process was quick and efficient, with the staff ensuring smooth operations.
Now that I’ve conquered the first step in becoming a registered taxpayer, I’m eager to dive into the world of tax filing.
While there may be challenges ahead, I remain optimistic, considering the possibility of availing a tax filing system or hiring a bookkeeper to simplify the process.
If you’re contemplating registration with the BIR, I encourage you to take the leap and embark on this important journey now.
By becoming a registered taxpayer, you demonstrate your commitment to compliance, contribute to the nation’s growth, and open doors to a world of opportunities. From tax incentives and government contracts to enhanced credibility and better financial planning, the advantages are endless.
But it’s not just about ticking off boxes and fulfilling requirements. Registering with the BIR is also a statement of integrity, transparency, and professionalism. It demonstrates to your stakeholders that you are committed to playing by the rules, fostering trust, and contributing to the country’s economic development.
So, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a freelancer looking to legitimize your business, or an established company seeking new avenues of growth, registering with the BIR is a crucial milestone on your journey toward success.
Stay tuned as I continue to learn and share insights on tax filing, hoping to make the process as painless as possible.
Together, let’s embrace responsibility and pave the way for a successful business journey!
READ: 15 Common Financial Mistakes That Can Hold You Back From Building Wealth
Helpful Tips for a Smooth BIR Registration Experience
1. Photocopies of your valid ID
To save yourself some time and effort, it’s a good idea to bring along 2 photocopies of your valid IDs. Although there is a photocopy and notary service available on the same floor, it can get quite crowded at times. So, be prepared and bring your own copies.
2. Download and fill out forms in advance
Before heading to the BIR office, take some time to download, print, and fill out the necessary forms at home. You’ll need 2 copies each of BIR Form 1901 (Application for Registration), BIR Form 0605 (Payment Form), and BIR Form 1905 (Application for Registration Information). Remember to only fill out your personal information and leave any confusing sections blank. The helpful BIR officer will guide you through the process and assist with filling in those areas.
3. Double and triple-check your documents
Before you head to the BIR office, make sure that all your documents are complete and valid. Check that your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is correct, that all the required forms have been filled out accurately, and that you have enough copies of each document for filing purposes. You don’t want to be caught off guard or held up in the process due to minor errors.
4. Stock up on columnar notebooks
The BIR personnel might offer you columnar notebooks for P130 each, but why spend more when you can save? Just grab 4 columnar notebooks with either 10 or 12 columns from a bookstore before heading to the BIR office. They’ll only cost you around P45 each. Depending on your business type, you may require 2 or 4 notebooks, so it’s best to play it safe and bring 4 along.
5. Cash, snacks, and hydration
Make sure you bring enough cash to cover any fees and unexpected expenses that may arise during the registration process. It’s always handy to have a little extra on hand, just in case. Also, don’t forget to pack some water and a light snack to keep you refreshed and energized while waiting in line. This way, you won’t have to step out and risk missing your turn.
6. A friendly attitude goes a long way
Remember to be polite and friendly to everyone you encounter during your visit to the BIR office. This includes the staff, guards, and fellow applicants. A warm smile and kind words can make your day much more pleasant and might even help you navigate the process more smoothly.
By following these tips and being well-prepared, you can streamline the BIR registration process and increase the likelihood of a successful and hassle-free registration. Good luck!
Visit the BIR website for more information about BIR registration and tax filing.