Adding your Tax Identification Number (TIN) to your Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal profile means complying with regulatory requirements set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and ensuring seamless processing of driver’s license applications by providing essential taxpayer information. It also facilitates efficient tracking of taxable transactions and enhances transparency within the system, as was the goal of Executive Order 98, when former President Joseph Estrada mandated the TIN requirement.
In 2019, the LTO issued Memorandum Circular 2009-1216 and eased the TIN requirement for some of its transactions. This move aims to simplify and expedite the application process, addressing long-standing concerns raised by applicants. This did not, however, completely remove the need for TIN when processing license applications for the first time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to add your TIN to your LTMS portal account profile to help you initiate the said transactions online.
What is a TIN?
A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique set of numbers used as an identifier and assigned by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to each taxpayer. It is considered an essential personal information and is used by the government for tracking taxable transactions and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Note that each taxpayer is only assigned one TIN, regardless of the variety of transactions (e.g., employee who is at the same time engaged in business) they are engaged in. Once a TIN is assigned, the individual is not allowed to apply for another TIN, making it a traceable information under a computerized system of tax administration in the country.
Understanding the significance of having your TIN at hand is an important part of transacting with the LTO. Depending on the type of transaction that you wish to do, online or otherwise, it is important to have this set of unique numerical identifier before you proceed with the process of updating your LTMS portal account. This will help you understand when and why you need to even make the change to your profile. Plus, it will also help avoid confusions as to why there is a need for your TIN in your LTMS portal account despite the advisory released by the government agency in accordance with MC 2009-1216 in 2019.
Legal Basis for TIN Requirement at the LTO
The TIN requirement at the LTO stems from Executive Order No. 98, series of 1998, which mandates individuals and entities engaging with government agencies to incorporate their Tax Identification Number (TIN) in all transactions. This directive ensures compliance with tax regulations and promotes transparency in government transactions, including the processing of driver’s license applications. By adhering to this requirement, the LTO aims to uphold accountability and streamline administrative processes.
Furthermore, the inclusion of TINs in driver’s license transactions aligns with the government’s goal of promoting a more transparent and efficient public service delivery system. It helps prevent tax evasion by ensuring that individuals obtaining licenses are identifiable taxpayers, thereby strengthening revenue collection efforts. This legal framework underscores the importance of tax compliance in government transactions, fostering a culture of accountability and integrity within the regulatory processes of the LTO.
Who Needs to Add their TIN in their LTMS Portal Account?
According to Memorandum Circular 2009-1216, the TIN requirement at LTO is no longer necessary in every transaction. Instead, the TIN will only be required for the following LTO transactions:
- Student permit application
- Application for new driver’s licenses
- Application for Conductor’s licenses
- Conversions of foreign licenses
- Application for Student permit for foreigners
- Duplicate professional driver’s license
- Duplicate non-professional driver’s license
- Duplicate conductor’s license
- Processing of driver’s license of Filipinos living abroad
Who Do Not Need to Submit Their TIN at LTO
Consequently, the following LTMS users no longer need to add their TIN to their LTMS Portal Account to proceed with their transactions:
- Renewal of professional driver’s license
- Renewal of non-professional driver’s license
- Expired driver’s license from two to 10 years
- Revision of records
- Replacement of mutilated driver’s license
Eligibility Requirements
Before proceeding, make sure that you have:
- An existing and active LTMS Portal account
Requirements
Make sure your prepare the following before initiating the profile update process:
- Stable Internet Connection
- Device capable of internet connectivity
- Compatible web browser
- Registered LTMS Account
- Login Credentials
- Personal Information including your TIN
Step-by-Step Procedures
For a complete guide on how to get your TIN added to your profile in the LTMS portal, you may simply follow these steps listed here:
Step 1. Access the LTMS Portal
Navigate to the LTMS portal using a web browser.
Step 2. Sign In
Enter your registered credentials to access your account dashboard.
Step 3. Navigate to Profile
Locate and click on the “Profile” icon within your account dashboard.
Step 4. View Your LTMS Profile
Access your complete profile information, including personal details and the general information section.
Step 5. Input Your TIN
Scroll down to the General Information section and input your TIN in the designated space.
Step 6. Review Details
Double-check the accuracy of the information before proceeding.
Step 7. Apply Changes
Click on the “Apply Changes” button to save your updated profile information and wait for the confirmation prompt to appear.
Once done, you may already proceed with whatever transaction you need to complete using your LTMS portal account.
Fees
Updating your LTMS profile is free of charge. Beware of individuals requesting payment for profile modifications, as they may be fraudulent.
Processing Time
The processing time for this procedure is estimated at about five (5) to ten (10) minutes to complete, depending on the Internet speed, your typing abilities, and whether you have your YIN or not. For the specific details regarding the processing time of other licensing transactions that required the TIN, then you may check the LTMS portal or the LTO support team.
Video: Is a TIN Necessary for Professional Driver’s License Application?
For more information regarding the LTO TIN requirement, you may refer to this video tutorial provided by Safety atbp. You may also contact the LTMS support team for help.
Summary
Streamlining the process for adding your TIN to your LTMS portal account ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitates smoother transactions with the LTO. By having your TIN in your LTMS portal account profile, you can avoid unnecessary delays in your LTO licensing transactions, especially those that necessitates having your TIN to complete.