The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) in partnership with Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) has introduced the joint identification card which provides proof of identify for taxpayers and FNPF members. The joint card can be obtained from FRCS and FNPF.
Since the joint cards are required for most financial and legal transactions, there is high demand for this product.
In this week’s Tax Talk, we will focus on how to apply for joint cards on the taxpayer online service (TPOS).
How to apply for joint card on the taxpayer online services To initiate the digital process for applying for Joint Card, the applicant needs to log on and access the Taxpayer Online Services on https://tpos.frcs.org.fj/ taxpayerportal#/Logon with the username and password.
Those people who have not signed up for the Taxpayer Online Services can access information on how to sign up on the Taxpayer Online Services on — https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3OLHhx-2SpE.
FRCS encourages all its customers to use the online platform to engage with the tax office.
Once in the system, the applicant needs to navigate to the dashboard and access the ‘Requests’ tile and then select ‘Joint ID’ option.
After this, the taxpayer will be able to view all their details registered with FRCS.
In case any details of the applicants are inaccurate, the applicants must update it and ensure that all details are current and accurate.
It is important to note that all applicants need to read the instructions and confirm that they have read and understood it by clicking on the checkbox provided.
The system will not allow applicants to proceed further unless the checkbox provided on the instructions page is ticked.
The following documents are required when applying for the joint card;
* Full extract of original or certified birth certificate (post year 2000);
* Marriage certificate if using married name;
* Recent passport size photo (Ensure that the passport sized photo is 35mm by 45mm or 132 by 170 pixels, should be taken against a white background and should not include hats or head coverings or dark glasses and the face should not be obscured); and
* Valid photo ID of the applicant. (Driver’s license, voter registration card, passport bio data page.) The process and the documents required for applying for replacement of a joint card is same as above. However, there is a $F10 fee for application for replacements.
Collection of the joint card Once the online application for the joint card will be processed by FRCS, the applicant will receive an email correspondence notifying them to collect the joint card. This letter will also be available on the ‘Correspondence’ tile of the respective applicant’s Taxpayer Online Services portal.
If it is a first issue, then there is an option of printing the correspondence letter or having electronic copy available on a device for presentation when coming to collect the joint ID card at any FRCS Office.
If collecting a replacement joint card, then people need to present the notification or correspondence letter advising on collection to the FRCS cashier first and pay the $10 replacement fee and then go to the joint identification card team for printing.
How can you include your FNPF number? FNPF numbers can also be added while applying for the joint card online.
To include the FNPF number the applicant needs to: The taxpayer online services has a ‘Change of Circumstance’ tile on the portal. The applicant needs to navigate to the Change of Circumstance tile and their FNPF number.
The applicant will also be required to upload their FNPF statement and any valid ID together with their birth certificate if they are Fiji citizens. Non Fiji citizens, can upload their passport bio data page.
Applicants must ensure that their personal details on the taxpayer online services are updated and a current before they proceed to apply for a joint ID card including their FNPF number.
Why should you use FRCS online services? We urge all taxpayers to use the taxpayer online services and online payments to conduct business with this. The online services are not only convenient and cheaper option but also safe.
The imminent threat posed by the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and the national health restrictions pertaining to movement and containment zones placed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS) makes our online services a safer choice when engaging with FRCS through our digital platforms available.
Taxpayers can simply log on http://mytpos.frcs.org.fj to the taxpayer online services and access our services. They can also make payments online.
Customs agent and traders are also urged to use the prepayment account (PPD) and online payment facility for the payment of Customs Duties.
Assistance provided FRCS has developed a number of education and awareness materials on the online processes of the various tax types to support taxpayers through the new transition.
These education materials can be accessed from the FRCS website https://www.frcs.org.fj/ our-services/taxpayer-onlineservicetpos/ webinarsessions/ and https://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/ taxpayer-online-servicetpos/ tpostutorial-videos/ and https://www.frcs.org.fj/podcast/.
The user manuals are available on https://www.frcs.org.fj/ourservices/ taxpayer-onlineservicetpos/ users-guide/.
FRCS encourages all taxpayers to access the online services and to use it for efficient tax services and ease of compliance.
For any queries or issues related to TPOS, please contact us on 1326 or email tpos@frcs.org.fj. For more information, please email us on info@frcs.org.fj.
