Register as Self-Employed

Know the basics of BIR’s self-employed tax registration process.

1. Prepare the documents needed

For your registration, you need to prepare the following requirements listed below:

Which Government IDs can I present?

  1. Philippine passport
  2. Driver’s license
  3. SSS UMID Card
  4. PhilHealth ID
  5. TIN Card
  6. Postal ID
  7. Voter’s ID
  8. Professional Regulation Commission ID

If your ID does not have a birthdate or address, you may attach the following documents:

      • Birth Certificate
      • Billing Statements
      • Barangay Clearance

List of BIR Forms

BIR Payment Form 0605

BIR Form 1901

BIR Form 1905

BIR Form 1906

2. Decide how you are going to register

There are two ways to register – by going to your BIR RDO office or via online registration.

1. Walk-in Registration

Self-Employment registration with BIR starts with submitting the requirements to your RDO.

To register by visiting your BIR RDO:

  1. Fill out the BIR Forms mentioned above and submit them to the RDO of your residence.
  2. Pay for the fees to the RDO’s recommended payment gateway.
  3. Once payment is completed, you must wait until BIR approves your registration, as well as how and when the registration documents can be claimed at the home RDO.
  4. Once you have claimed your Certificate of Registration Request for the Authority to Print Official Receipts. These can take up to 2-4 weeks to process depending on your RDO.

You will need the following documents for this step:

      • Fully signed 1901 Form
      • Certificate of Independent Contractor (with issuance date only)
      • 1 government-issued ID with current address
      • Sample Service Invoice
      • Photocopy of Birth Certificate
      • Payment of Documentary stamps, purchase of journals and BIR Provisionary Invoice.
        • Can be done on your RDO – In case some RDO runs out of journals you will be advised by the BIR Officer to purchase outside and register it via ORUS or simply bring it back to them (RDO).

5. Register your Books of Accounts at your home RDO.Ensure that your Books of Accounts are stamped by the BIR with the current tax year as well as signed by the approved personnel in their RDO.

2. Online Registration

The BIR has updated the Self-Employment registration for all Filipinos nationwide via the New Business Registration (NewBizReg) portal It is an alternative form of application in the self-employment process, allowing it to be done online.

Step 1: Access the NewBizReg Portal

Navigate to the official BIR website and find the eServices section. From there, select the NewBizReg portal. This portal is designed to facilitate the email-based submission of new business registrations.

Step 2: Prepare Your Digital Documents

Scan all your prepared documents and save them as clear PDF files. Ensure that the total file size of all attachments does not exceed the limit specified on the portal, as this can cause submission errors.

Step 3: Pay the Documentary Stamp Tax (DST)

A one-time fee for a loose Documentary Stamp Tax (DST) of ₱30 is required for registration.

  • If you have an existing TIN, you can pay this online through the BIR’s ePayment channels. Save a copy of the payment confirmation.
  • If you are a new taxpayer without a TIN, you will typically pay this fee at the Revenue District Office (RDO) when you pick up your Certificate of Registration. The RDO will provide instructions in their confirmation email.

Note: The Annual Registration Fee of ₱500 has been abolished under the Ease of Paying Taxes (EOPT) Act. You are no longer required to pay this fee upon registration or annually thereafter.

Step 4: Submit Your Application via Email

The NewBizReg portal will guide you in generating an email to the correct RDO based on your business address. Attach all your scanned documents to this email:

  • Accomplished BIR Form 1901
  • Valid Government ID (and selfie, if required)
  • Proof of Address (if not on ID)
  • Completed Tax Type Questionnaire
  • DTI Certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of ₱30 DST payment (if paid online)

Send the email and wait for an acknowledgment from the BIR.

Step 5: Await BIR Confirmation

After submission, the RDO will review your application. You will receive an email acknowledging receipt, followed by another email once your application is approved. This approval email will contain instructions for the final steps, including the schedule for picking up your official documents.

You are now fully registered as a Self-Employed taxpayer with BIR once you have the following documents:

  1. Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303)
  2. Printed Official Receipts
  3. BIR-stamped Book of Accounts

Want to learn more? Continue reading our guides below:

First time freelancer? Learn the Remote Staff know-hows of becoming self-employed with this self-employment 101 guide!

Facts about Self – Employment

Are taxes really difficult? Remote Staff says no! Visit our simple guide on taxes and how to do it on your own.

How do I file my taxes as Self- Employed?

Disclaimer:

The information in this site for general guidance is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for any audit, advisory, tax, legal, or other professional advice, consultation, or service. We strongly recommend that you consult an accountant before making any decision regarding your taxes. Remote Staff will not be responsible for your tax compliance as a result of the misuse or abuse of the content herein. You should not send any confidential information to Remote Staff until you have received agreement from the company to perform the services you request.