If you plan to invest in a Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) with DragonFi — a SEC-accredited PERA administrator — you must first secure a Tax Identification Number (TIN). This is required by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to properly identify taxpayers, ensure compliance, and enable you to claim tax benefits on your contributions.
Under Republic Act 9505, PERA contributions must be reported to the BIR. No TIN means you cannot open a PERA account — or any legitimate investment account in the Philippines.
Who Needs a TIN?
Anyone opening a PERA account, or making legitimate financial transactions, needs a TIN. Here’s a quick reference:
Taxpayer Type | Relevant BIR Form | Key Requirements |
Employed individuals | BIR Form 1902 | Valid ID, birth certificate (if no ID), employer’s certificate of employment |
Self-employed / Sole proprietors | BIR Form 1901 | Valid ID, DTI registration certificate, Mayor’s permit or barangay clearance |
Mixed-income earners | BIR Form 1901 | Valid ID, employer certificate + business registration |
Professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers) | BIR Form 1901 | Valid ID, PRC license, PTR (Professional Tax Receipt) |
Students | BIR Form 1904 | Valid school ID, birth certificate if minor, purpose (e.g., investment, bank account) |
Retirees | BIR Form 1904 | Valid ID, proof of pension (optional), purpose (e.g., investments, banking) |
Housewives / Homemakers investing | BIR Form 1904 | Valid ID, purpose (e.g., opening an investment account) |
OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) | BIR Form 1904 | Valid passport, OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) or overseas contract |
Anyone opening a PERA account | BIR Form 1904 | Valid ID, purpose (PERA investment through DragonFi) |
Why You Need a TIN for DragonFi PERA Accounts
All these taxpayer types require a TIN, especially if you plan to invest in PERA, because:
DragonFi is a SEC-accredited PERA administrator
Republic Act 9505 mandates that PERA contributions be reported to the BIR
The TIN uniquely identifies you so you can claim tax benefits on your PERA contributions
No TIN means no PERA account, or any legal investment account in the Philippines.
How to Apply for a TIN in Person (EO 98 Registration)
If you prefer to apply manually, you can register under Executive Order 98 (for individuals needing a TIN for bank or investment purposes) at your Revenue District Office (RDO):
Prepare your valid ID
Complete BIR Form 1904
Bring supporting documents that justify why you need a TIN (e.g., investment documents, bank account opening forms)
Submit your documents to the RDO covering your residence
Wait for your TIN to be issued (often same-day or within a few days)
How to Apply for a TIN Online via ORUS (EO 98 Registration)
If you do not yet have a TIN, you may also register online through the BIR’s Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) under EO 98. Follow these steps:
Access the ORUS Portal
Visit https://orus.bir.gov.ph
Start a New Registration
Click New Registration and select Individual.
Create Your ORUS Account
Agree to the terms and conditions
Select Register as Taxpayer
Confirm that you do not have an existing TIN
Set User Type Transaction to EO 98
Set Taxpayer Type to EO 98 – Filipino Citizen
Provide your complete personal information with a valid email address
Create a secure password (at least 12 characters)
Submit your account registration and verify it via the link sent to your email
Log In and Complete Your TIN Application
Select New Registration > Individual
Sign in to ORUS > Put your log-in details
Fill out BIR Form 1904
When prompted for EO 98, click Continue
Indicate if you have an authorized representative (No if none)
Provide spouse details if married, or leave blank if single
Upload your valid ID plus a selfie holding that ID (JPEG, PNG, or PDF, maximum 25MB)
Review your details carefully, agree to the terms, and submit
Confirmation and Issuance
You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number
Your application will be reviewed by the appropriate BIR RDO
Within about three working days, you should receive your new TIN via email once approved
PERA Contribution Limits
Up to ₱200,000 per year for Filipino residents
Up to ₱400,000 per year for OFWs
These limits qualify you for tax incentives, as long as the BIR recognizes your contributions — which requires a TIN.