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BIR Registration Guide For Self-Employed Professionals (Non-PRC Licensed)

July 4, 2020 in Adulting, Blogging, Guide

Whether you are planning to start a business or a career as a self-employed individual, going to the BIR for your registration is one of the things that you must go through to be legitimate and to avoid the risk of being tax evader. Employees don’t have to think about BIR registration because their employers usually do it for them. But for us Freelancers and Business Owners, it is a responsibility.

I’ve been a freelancer ever since I was in college. I had small blogging projects back then, and I also worked as a writer for different companies while I was studying. When I graduated in 2016, I worked as a Sales and Customer Service Representative in a BPO company. But honestly speaking, working a 9-5 pm job is not for me. I knew in my heart that I wanted to build my own brand. I don’t want to be a corporate slave. So I quit my job and decided to pursue my career in writing.

How did I register with BIR as a Self-Employed Professional?

Since I’m working as a Digital Content Creator, I registered as a Self-Employed Professional (Non-PRC License). Before going to BIR, I did everything I can to learn the process on how to register — I read different articles, and I’ve asked my friends as well. I expected it to be a loooong process, but surprisingly, I was able to get my Certificate of Registration in just 2 days.

I’ve heard a lot of horror stories of people who tried to register their business or profession — encountering inefficient, and rude staff, long queue, etc. But Thank God I did not experience any of those. So on this blog post, I’m going to share my personal experience when I registered as a Self-Employed Professional (Non-PRC License). For those of you transitioning from full-time employment to freelance, I hope you also find this article helpful.

*The process is different from business registration. It’s much easier. Other people think it’s the same, so they will tell you to get requirements like Mayor’s permit, DTI registration, etc. But in reality, those are not needed when you register as a self-employed individual.

Completing the BIR Registration Requirements

When I arrived at the BIR office, I told the guard that I will change my status from employed to self-employed. She handed me 2 copies of Form 1905 and my number. Since I came early, I did not wait too long for my turn.

I brought the requirements I know needed when registering with the BIR (PSA birth certificate, Contract from my previous and current client, Brgy. Clearance, Book of Accounts, and IDs). I decided to go directly to the BIR to make sure I’m doing the right thing before getting other requirements. When it was my turn, I told the staff about my situation: I’m registered as Employed, but I want to change it to Self-Employed. She gave me a list of requirements, and she explained the process well. She also made sure I was registered in that RDO, so I won’t have to transfer.

*If you are previously employed like me, you have to check the RDO where you are registered. Here’s a list of RDOs: https://www.bir.gov.ph/index.php/contact-us/directory/revenue-district-offices.html

Complete List of Requirements (For Self Employed Professional only)

This is based on my experienced. The process and the requirements vary depending on which RDO you register. So I recommend that you personally go to the RDO where you intend to register and inquire for the specific requirements.

-2 copies of Form 1901
-2 copies of Form 1905
-Book of Accounts
-Occupation Tax Receipt (OTR) for non-licensed and Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) for licensed professional
-Photocopy of ID (with address)
-Sample layout of Official Receipt

How to Get a Sample Layout of OR?

Usually, when you asked for the requirements in BIR, the officer in charge will give you a list of BIR accredited printing press in your area. You just need to submit a photocopy of Form 1901 (signed), photocopy of OTR/PTR, and your TIN and address to the printing press. Then they will give you a receipt and a printed sample layout of your OR to be submitted to the BIR for approval, along with Form 1906 (Application to Print Receipts and Invoices).

If you are from Pampanga, I recommend RED GRO Printing Press in Balibago. They are BIR Accredited and they can get the job done quickly. I paid PHP 1800 for 10 booklets (Valid for 5 years).

 

 

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Application for BIR Registration

The next day, I went to the printing press to pick up the OR. Then I went back to the RDO, where I am registered to submit the requirements needed. It took about an hour of waiting before I was able to see the officer-in-charge, but when it was my turn, the officer told me that they will be offline between 12 noon to 1 pm. She advised me to eat first, then come back after an hour to process my application. But before leaving, she already prepared the documents I submitted.

At exactly 1 pm, I came back to the office, and the officer processed my application immediately. She asked me to pay the registration fee and documentary stamps. I handed over PHP 530 in cash. Then she stamped my Payment form and asked me to wait for the official receipt.

After giving me the receipt for the registration fee and stamps, I asked her what will be the next step. She told me to wait for my COR. I asked her when I could get it because I thought it would take a couple of days or weeks (based on what I have researched). She told me I will be getting it the same day. I was surprised because I didn’t expect it to be that easy. So I waited for another hour to get the COR and the Authority to print (to be submitted to the printing press for them to start the printing of my OR.

Registration of Book of Accounts

After the registration, you just have to accomplish the Registration of Book of Accounts within 30 days of the registration date to avoid penalties. For freelancers like me, you will be needing a book for cash receipts and a book for cash disbursement. Don’t forget to bring your COR and 2 copies of Form 1905

And that completes the process! As self-employed professionals, our work doesn’t end there. We have to maintain the books of accounts, file the appropriate BIR forms quarterly, and renew our registration. It may be a lot of work, but it will be definitely worth it! If you have a project that needs to be done abroad, or if you have an overseas client who wants you to visit their country, you can easily apply for a visa and other documents because you have proof of legitimacy. The embassy and immigration won’t suspect you because you have strong ties to your home country.

The Easy way via Taxumo

Taxumo is a tax service provider dedicated to helping Filipino freelancers, small business owners, and licensed professionals prepare and pay taxes. Taxumo helps us relieve our tax worries with their end-to-end online tax submission process—from tracking your income & expenses, all the way to tax filing & payment. They provide greater control and real-time visibility of our tax dues. They have a web and mobile-responsive application that enables us to file and pay our taxes in minutes. Visit their website www.taxumo.com and use my code “NICOLE” to get a 10% discount.

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Comments

  1. Thea Octavo says

    July 5, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    Thank you for this blog!! I’m also a freelance since last year, a freelance figure skating coach to be exact. I’m just wondering po if I have other online side hustkes, should I file for another BIR or is one enough?

    Reply
    • Nicole San Miguel says

      July 6, 2020 at 10:56 am

      Hi Thea! If you are receiving income from several sources, you can register for “Mixed-income Earner” 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jan Darren Guiwan (KapampanganTraveller) says

    July 8, 2020 at 10:18 pm

    This article indeed simplified the apparently horrendous processing in BIR for Freelancers. I heard a lot of accounts against staff of the BIR about their demeanour – unwelcoming and cold. Good thing you have a pleasant experience on the actual process. I can recall my HR days when I have a weekly transaction with the same office.

    Reply
  3. Misskhae says

    July 9, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    I also had myself registered sa BIR as Self-Employed Mixed Income Earner prior sa pagsstart ko ng blog 4months ago since I do graphic design services as well 🙂 Nung una, super excited ako eh especially that I get to issue OR on my clients kaso ngayon, halos tinatamad nako mag file ng mga kelangan i-file sa BIR eventho I’m using Taxumo HAHA

    Reply
  4. Polly says

    July 9, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    I remember when I was applying one for my business, the process was kind of slow and I had to sign tons of forms (even though mine’s just Single Proprietor). Plus OR takes awhile to be printed. I wish you wrote this ages ago as it’s easier to follow compared to what I’ve read online. Thanks for this!

    Reply
  5. Christian Foremost says

    July 9, 2020 at 8:10 pm

    Wow this is full of insight and information. Thank you for sharing your experience and recommendations. I hope that I’ll get to the point when I’m actually earning from blogging to have to register in BIR and then I’ll reference this blog again. Thanks girl

    Reply
  6. SB says

    July 9, 2020 at 10:12 pm

    Thank you so much for this article. It serves lot of information for us. Definitely a go to article when time comes we need it 🙂

    Reply
  7. mytravelatte says

    July 9, 2020 at 10:46 pm

    This is a helpful guides for freelancers. Natawa ako dun sa horror stories yung pagapply ng iba. But most probably, if you have complete requirements, the process will not be a burden. I will take note of this as well for future requirements.

    Reply
  8. WanderWoMom says

    July 9, 2020 at 11:50 pm

    this is very helpful dear. thanks so much ha. im actually working as a VA, before the year ended last year, the one who process their legalities asked me if i want to be employed to them or stay as a freelancer.. i actually stayed as a freelancer, medyo ayoko mabawasan yung sweldo ko kasi super sakto sya with my financial responsibilities. but i also blog and do collabs with brands on the side so im not sure if i need to do this or what. siguro if im bigger ill definitely dothis. di pala need na as business. akal ako need pa ng business permit and all for being a professional blogger. direcho lang pala sa bir.

    Reply
  9. Dianne says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:29 am

    Girl! I love your blog! Ung aesthetic, it’s so neat!
    —
    This is a very helpful post especially sa mga self-employed. I have a lot of freelancer friends and this might help me in the future too if ever I plan to start a business or whatnot.

    Reply
  10. mikhaela says

    July 10, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    This is what I need! I’ve been searching for blogs or guidelines on how to register in BIR. I would probably save this for future reference. Thank you for posting!

    Reply
  11. dory says

    July 10, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    very helpful post especially that our Government requires those earners and business owners small or big to register in the BIR

    Reply
  12. blair villanueva says

    July 10, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    It is good that you registered your blog in BIR. One thing that is very different compared to business registration here in Australia is that everything goes online. No one visits the tax office anymore.
    Congrats!

    Reply
  13. Mumshie Nica says

    July 11, 2020 at 12:06 am

    Sana same lang din ang bilis ng pagkuha niyan dito sa municipality namin. Really thinking of shifting to freelancing para mas madami akong time kay Nathan. Thank you for this at may idea na ako kung anong mga kailangan.

    Reply
  14. Pinaynursemeetsworld says

    July 12, 2020 at 3:37 am

    This post is very helpful. I never knew being a digital creator in the Philippines has to have a BIR registration.. I hope they will be able to have a system online for those people who live abroad… Does it affect you? what are the consequences if you don’t get to register???

    Reply
  15. Dems says

    July 17, 2020 at 10:37 pm

    Thanks for sharing your experience. Many people are put off with BIR registration because there’s too many forms, steps and jargons to think about. By the way where does one acquire the Occupation Tax Receipt?

    Reply
  16. Cris says

    October 31, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    I moved from Baguio City to Baler, Aurora but I’ve been working remotely since 2015. So, I went to the Baler BIR branch to register as SELF EMPLOYED-NON PRC LICENSED but they were telling me to register as a business. No matter what explanation I did, they did not want to let me register as an INDIVIDUAL TAX PAYER. I left very frustrated and explained I am coming back with all print outs from BIR website and blogs regarding SELF EMPOLYED. I’m printing your article actually. Sakit sa bangs!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Nicole!

Hi, I’m Nicole!

A Digital Content Creator who is born & raised in the Philippines. I studied AB Communication in college, and I currently work as a full-time content creator. Living Beyond Style is all about my personal style, product reviews, tips, travel destinations, and life events. Know more about me by visiting this blog often!

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