How to Get a Thai Tax ID Number (TIN): Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a Thai Tax Identification Number?

A Thai Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a 13-digit number issued by the Revenue Department of Thailand. It identifies you in the Thai tax system and is required to:

• File an annual personal income tax return (PND 90 or PND 91)
• Claim a refund of overpaid or withheld tax
• Issue invoices if you are self-employed or freelancing
• Register for VAT if your revenue exceeds the threshold

For foreigners, the TIN is different from a Thai national ID card number (which non-citizens do not have). Your TIN is specific to the tax system.

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Do You Need a TIN?

You need a TIN if any of the following applies:

• You are a Thai tax resident (180+ days in Thailand) and have assessable income above the filing threshold
• Your Thai employer withholds income tax from your salary (you need a TIN to claim refunds)
• You are freelancing or self-employed and issue invoices to Thai clients
• You receive rental income from Thai property
• You want to file a return to claim a refund of excess withholding

You may already have one. If you are employed by a Thai company, your employer may have registered a TIN on your behalf when setting up your payroll. Check any withholding tax certificate (Form 50 Tawi) you have received from your employer or a Thai bank — your TIN will appear on that document.

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How to Check If You Already Have a TIN

Before visiting the Revenue Department, check these sources:

1. Form 50 Tawi (withholding certificate) from your employer — your TIN will be listed in the taxpayer section
2. Bank withholding certificates — if a Thai bank has withheld tax on your interest or dividends, your TIN may appear on the certificate
3. Ask your HR department — many Thai employers register TINs for foreign employees as part of the work permit and payroll process
4. Revenue Department website — if you have access to rd.go.th with your details, you may be able to look up your TIN

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How to Register in Person (Step-by-Step)

TIN registration for foreigners is done in person at a Revenue Department district office. You cannot register online as a foreign national.

Documents to Bring

• Passport (original and photocopy)
• Current visa (shown in your passport)
• Proof of address in Thailand — a lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement showing your Thai address

Bring photocopies of everything alongside the originals. The officer will keep photocopies and return the originals to you.

At the Office

1. Go to your local Revenue Department district office — not the central Bangkok head office. Find your nearest office at rd.go.th/english.
2. Tell the officer you need to register for a Personal Income Tax Identification Number (you can say "TIN registration" — most officers at district offices are familiar with the request).
3. Fill in Form PP09, the taxpayer registration form. The officer will usually help you complete it.
4. The process takes approximately 15–30 minutes.
5. Your TIN is issued the same day and will appear on the registration document you receive.

Practical Tips

• Go early in the morning to avoid queues
• If your Thai is limited, bring a translation or printout of your address in Thai
• No work permit is required to obtain a TIN — you only need your passport, visa, and proof of address
• Some district offices have English-speaking staff; smaller offices may not

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After You Get Your TIN

Once you have your TIN, several things become available to you:

File Tax Returns

Use your TIN to file PND 90 or PND 91 returns each year by 31 March. You can file online via the RD Smart Tax app (available on iOS and Android) or at the Revenue Department office.

Claim Refunds

If your employer has over-withheld tax, or if you have had 5% or 15% withholding applied to rental or investment income at a rate higher than your effective rate, you can claim a refund only after filing a return using your TIN.

Freelance Invoicing

If you are self-employed or freelance, Thai clients may require your TIN on invoices before they can process payment. Some clients also need your TIN to withhold tax on payments (3% withholding applies to many freelance payments).

Register for the RD Smart Tax App

Download the Revenue Department's official mobile app and log in with your TIN. This app allows you to file returns, check tax records, and track refund status from your phone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a company register a TIN on my behalf?

Do I need a work permit to get a TIN?

Is my TIN the same as my Thai ID number?

What if I lose my TIN or forget the number?