To get a BIR number in Trinidad and Tobago, fill out Form IA-001 and submit it with a valid ID, either online through e-Tax or in person at an Inland Revenue Division (IRD) office. It's free, and you keep the same number for life.
You need it before almost anything else: your employer needs it for PAYE, the IRD needs it on every return, and you can't get into e-Tax without it.
What is a BIR Number?
Your Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) file number is your taxpayer ID. It goes on every return, statement and letter you send the IRD. All employees, sole traders, partnerships and companies are legally required to have one.
It's issued once and used for life. Changing jobs, moving or starting a business doesn't give you a new one.
Who Needs One?
- Starting your first job. The IRD's checklist for first-time employees is: get a BIR number, give it to your employer, then complete a TD1.
- Self-employed or a sole trader. You use your own individual BIR number for your income tax, Business Levy and Health Surcharge payments.
- Anyone filing a tax return or registering for e-Tax. Both need a BIR number first.
Businesses have their own rules. See how to register a business for tax in T&T.
What to Bring
Everyone:
- A completed Form IA-001 (Application for BIR Number), available at any IRD office or downloadable from ird.gov.tt
- The original and a copy of your national ID card, passport or driver's permit
If you're an employee, also bring:
- A letter from your employer stating your start date and salary, or a TD4 from a previous year
If you're self-employed or a sole trader, also bring:
- The original and a copy of your Certificate of Registration, if you've registered a business or trade name
Bring any outstanding tax returns too, if you have them.
How to Apply
Option 1: Online through e-Tax
Go to etax.ird.gov.tt and use the option to register for a BIR number. You don't need a ttconnect ID or an e-Tax login for this step.
Option 2: In person
Take your documents to one of these Inland Revenue Division offices:
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Unit (Port of Spain) | Government Campus Plaza, #2-4 Ajax Street | 800-TAXX (8299) |
| South Regional Office | Cipero Street, San Fernando | 657-6057 |
| Tobago Regional Office | Scarborough | 639-2410 |
There's no fee either way.
Lost or Forgotten Your BIR Number?
Your BIR number is printed on IRD paperwork. Check for any of these:
- Advice of BIR (or Advice of BIR and Account Numbers), the letter you got when you first registered
- Notice of Assessment
- Statement of Account
- Tax Clearance
If you can't find any of them, call the IRD on 800-TAXX (8299) or visit the Registration Unit with photo ID.
Don't apply for a second number. You only ever have one.
What to Do Next
With your BIR number, the next step is a ttconnect ID, which is the login for e-Tax. One of the documents listed above is also the proof of BIR number that ttconnect asks for. Here's how to get your e-Tax login and ttconnect ID.
This matters more now. The 2027 Budget announced mandatory electronic filing for all taxpayers. Read what mandatory e-filing means for you.
Once you're set up, TaxDash works out your return and fills it into e-Tax for you.
Start your return with TaxDash
Sources: IRD: Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) Number · Ministry of Finance: Applying for a BIR File Number and PAYE Number · IRD: First Time Employee · IRD: Small Business Person · IRD: e-Tax · IRD: Contact Us. TaxDash is independent and not affiliated with the IRD. Procedures can change, so check with the IRD if anything here doesn't match what you see.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a BIR number in Trinidad and Tobago?
Complete Form IA-001 (Application for BIR Number) and submit it with a valid ID, either online through e-Tax without logging in, or in person at the Inland Revenue Division's Registration Unit or a regional office. There is no fee.
How much does a BIR number cost?
Nothing. The Ministry of Finance states there is no fee to apply for a BIR file number.
Can I apply for a BIR number online?
Yes. Individuals can register for a BIR number through e-Tax (etax.ird.gov.tt) without logging in. Companies can apply online only if they are already registered on TTBizLink.
What documents do I need for a BIR number as an employee?
A completed Form IA-001, the original and a copy of your national ID card, passport or driver's permit, and either a letter from your employer stating your start date and salary or a TD4 from a previous year.
I lost my BIR number. How do I find it?
It is printed on IRD documents such as an Advice of BIR (or Advice of BIR and Account Numbers), a Notice of Assessment, a Statement of Account or a Tax Clearance. If you have none of these, contact the IRD on 800-TAXX (8299) or visit the Registration Unit with photo ID.
Do I need a new BIR number if I change jobs?
No. A BIR file number is issued once and is used for life, across every job and every tax year.