How to Get a TIN in Papua New Guinea

Oct. 5, 2026, 1:50 a.m. · Initial How to Get a TIN in Papua New Guinea guide based on official PNG sources

1. 1Choose the correct TIN form

   The IRC separates TIN registration into two main application types.

   Individual — Form TIN2

   Use TIN2 if you are registering yourself as an individual taxpayer.

   Non-individual — Form TIN1

   Use TIN1 for an enterprise or other non-individual taxpayer, including a business entity.

   Both forms can also be used for certain registration changes, closure of a taxpayer file, or a request to reprint a TIN certificate.

   If you are starting a business, do not use the individual form simply because you personally own the business. Check which taxpayer/entity type IRC requires for your structure.

2. 2Download the official form and taxpayer guide

   Download the current form from the PNG Internal Revenue Commission website.

   For individuals, use TIN2 – Individual TIN Application. IRC also publishes a taxpayer guide explaining how to complete the TIN registration fields.

   For businesses/entities, use TIN1 – Non-Individual TIN Application.

   Avoid old forms copied from social media or third-party sites when an official IRC copy is available.

3. 3Prepare your identity documents for an individual TIN

   Form TIN2 requires at least one acceptable form of identification and provides fields for items such as:

   • Passport
   • National ID (NID) card
   • Driver's licence
   • Birth certificate
   • Other identification such as an employee or student ID where accepted under IRC's proof-of-identity guidance

   The form asks for identifying details including document number, issue/expiry information and issuing authority where applicable.

   Non-PNG citizens

   IRC's individual form states that non-PNG citizens must provide passport details and a photocopy of the passport for registration.

4. 4Prepare enterprise details for a business or organisation

   Form TIN1 is for non-individual taxpayers.

   Be ready to provide accurate enterprise information, including the registered/trading identity and relevant registration details. The form asks whether you are registering an enterprise, changing registration information, closing a taxpayer file, or requesting a reprint.

   If the entity is already registered with IPA, make sure the name and registration information you give IRC match the official IPA record.

   Consistency matters: mismatched entity names, dates or registration details can delay processing.

5. 5Complete every compulsory field

   IRC's TIN forms explicitly warn that incomplete forms will not be processed.

   Before lodging:

   • Check spelling of legal names
   • Check dates of birth and identity-document numbers
   • Provide current contact details
   • Complete all compulsory/yellow fields on the form
   • Sign declarations where required
   • Attach the supporting documents relevant to your application

   Do a final line-by-line check before submission. A missing compulsory field can turn a simple registration into a repeat visit.

6. 6Lodge the application with IRC

   Submit the completed TIN application and supporting documents through the current IRC lodgement channel available to you.

   Because IRC service channels and office procedures can change, confirm the current lodgement method on irc.gov.pg or with your nearest IRC office before travelling.

   Keep a copy of the completed form and any acknowledgement or receipt you receive.

7. 7Keep your TIN details and update IRC when your information changes

   Once registered, keep your TIN certificate/number with your tax and business records.

   The same registration forms also provide for changes to taxpayer contact or registration details and requests for a TIN certificate reprint.

   For businesses, remember that obtaining a TIN does not by itself complete every tax obligation. Depending on your activities and thresholds, additional registrations or returns may apply.