“What is an RFC, and why do we need one?” This is an important topic for residents in Mexico given the bureaucratic changes that took place in 2022. In this article we answer your questions on the RFC.
The RFC is a unique tax code which identifies each person registered on the Registro Federal de Contribuyentes in Spanish (or Federal Contributor Registry). It is akin to a social security number in the US, Canada or a National Insurance Number in the UK.
In order to be included on this registry in Mexico, you must be a citizen or temporary or permanent resident in the country. You need it to work or receive income in Mexico and, therefore, pay taxes. Even if you are not a taxpayer, you still need to apply for your RFC if you are a resident or citizen over the age of 18. Many administrative procedures in Mexico, such as opening a bank account or major invoiced purchases, now require an RFC for the relevant paperwork.
Watch out: don’t confuse the RFC with the CURP code. Both codes are similar in that they are a unique set of numbers and letters related to your personal data. However, they are different and have distinct purposes.
The CURP is a Unique Population Registration Code, or Clave Única de Registro de Población in Spanish. This population I.D. code is issued to all citizens and residents. However, unlike the RFC, you do not have to apply for it. Once you get your residency in Mexico, your CURP is also generated and appears on your resident’s card. Read our article for further details about the CURP code: What Is a CURP Number and How to Get One in Mexico
How to Apply for the RFC
In order to obtain your unique RFC, which is linked to you permanently, apply for it via SAT. SAT is the Mexican government’s tax agency (Servicio de Administración Tributaria). The steps are as follows:
Steps
1. Visit https://citas.sat.gob.mx/
2. Select: Inscripción al padrón de contribuyentes Personas Físicas
3. Enter your CURP number; full name (nombre completo – as per your resident’s card); your email (correo electronico); confirm your email (confirmar correo electrónico), and press SIGUIENTE
4. On the following page, you will see a few drop-down menus. On the first one (SERVICIOS), select Inscripción en el RFC de Personas Físicas.
5. Under Distrito Federativo, select your state of residency. If you live in Playa del Carmen, this will be Quintana Roo.
6. Under Modulo, select your local SAT office, the name of the closest town.
7. You will then see a calendar to select the date and time of your appointment. However, it is common that no appointments are available due to high demand. You have the option to join a Fila Virtual (virtual queue).
8. Click on Fila Virtual to confirm.
9. A box appears to enter a Token Seguridad. This token is sent to your email. Retrieve it and insert into the box and click REENVIAR.
10. A screen appears with confirmation of your insertion into the Fila Virtual. You should receive an email when available slots open.
In the meantime, consult your position in the queue often by logging into the same site and selecting CONSULTAR CITA. Also keep an eye on your email for news of the appointment.
11. Once you receive a suggested appointment time, you have 24 hours to confirm, otherwise it will be cancelled.
12. If you can’t attend, you can request a different time, and you will enter into the Fila Virtual once again.
13. If you have already accepted the appointment, and can’t attend, be sure to cancel it in advance so that you are not penalised with a delay in booking a new one.
14. On the day of your appointment, attend your office with I.D. (passport and resident´s card), and a utility bill confirming your address (no older than 90 days).
15. It is now possible to also generate your e-signature (e-firma) on the same day. If you wish to do so, bring a USB key too.
Read our article on the CURP here: What Is a CURP Number and How to Get One in Mexico
For further information on residency, contact Adriana Vela at info@immigrationtomexico.mx