Do I need to register my online business to Bir?

HOW DO I REGISTER MY ONLINE SELLING BUSINESS WITH BIR?

Step 1: Go to the BIR Revenue District Office (RDO) which has jurisdiction over your place of business.

Step 2: Prepare BIR Form 1901 or the Application for Registration for Self-Employed (Single Proprietor/Professional), Mixed-Income Individuals, Non-Resident Alien Engaged in Trade/Business, Estate and Trust; and BIR Form 1906, or the Application for Authority to Print Receipts (ATP) and Invoices.

Step 3: Submit the following documents to the Client Support Officer (CSO) in the RDO.

  • Government-issued primary ID with your name, address, and birthdate (Read: 4 Government IDs That Are Easy to Apply For)
  • Photocopy of Mayor’s Business Permit or duly received Application for Mayor’s Business Permit if the permit is still under process with your LGU; and/or Professional Tax Receipt/Occupational Tax Receipt issued by the LGU or DTI Certificate
  • New sets of permanently bound books of accounts
  • Proof of Payment of Annual Registration Fee (ARF) (for clients with existing TIN or applicable after TIN issuance) **see Step 6 and 7
  • Final and clear sample of Principal Receipts/Invoice

Additional documents, if applicable

  • Franchise Documents (if any)
  • Certificate of Authority (for Barangay Micro Business Enterprises)

Step 3: Wait for your turn to be interviewed by the CSO to determine the applicable tax type, and for the officer to encode and generate TIN.

Step 4: Receive TIN and copy of BIR form 1901

Step 5: Pay for your ARF (₱500.00) and Documentary Stamp Tax (₱15.00) and receive proofs of payment.

Step 6: Present your proofs of payment to the Registration Head so they can generate the Certificate of Registration (COR) and Authority to Print (ATP) and forward it for review.

Step 7: Receive COR, Ask for Receipt Notice (ARN), ATP, and Books of Accounts

HOW MUCH ARE THE TAX CHARGES?

The first thing you need to know is that businesses earning less than ₱250,000 will have zero (0) tax. But they still need to register and declare income with the BIR.

Take note that your online business will still pay similar standard taxes to physical businesses. This includes:

  • Monthly and Quarterly Value Added Tax (required for all businesses earning more than P3 Million in a taxable year)
  • Quarterly Percentage Tax (businesses earning ₱3 million or less annually not subject to VAT)
  • Withholding Tax on Compensation
  • Expanded Withholding Tax/Creditable Withholding Tax
  • Quarterly and Annual Income Tax Returns

HOW DO I PAY TAXES?

For eFPS filing and/or payment:

Step 1: Fill up BIR Form 2551Q in the eFPS system which contains all the alphanumeric tax codes (ATCs).

Step 2: Prepare your sales/receipts for the quarter and upload them to the system for your quarterly percentage tax amount.

Step 3: If you’ve your taxes for the first, second and/or the third month of the quarter are paid for, payment/s made will be reflected in BIR Form 2551Q in Item No. 20A-Creditable Percentage Tax Withheld per BIR Form 2307.

Step 4: After e-filing, proceed to online payment by clicking the proceed to payment button and pay the quarterly percentage tax due.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: