Tax Identification Number popularly called TIN is a unique number issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the federal tax authority in Nigeria.
The primary purpose of the TIN is for identification of taxpayers in Nigeria, either as an individual or an organization.
One of the most popular places where having a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is pivotal in Nigeria is at the point of opening a business or corporate account with any bank.
But the usefulness of having a valid TIN is more than just for opening a business account, it also prevents you from being taxed multiple times and is an important element in tracking your tax records.
You can generate a Tax Identification Number (TIN) as an individual or an organization. The process for each is quite similar but the requirements differ.
In line with Section 10, subsection 2 of CIT Acts, as amended in 2019 Finance Acts. Banks in Nigeria has been mandated to obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN) from both Individual and Corporate Organisations, before an account can be open for them. The section equally requires Banks to ensure, all accounts opened prior to this Acts, provide such Tax Identification Number (TIN) information as a precondition for the continued usage of their bank accounts
This is done to synchronize taxpayer banking and tax database with a view to improving tax compliance and ease of tax administration. This will also expand the tax net to capture more individuals and the informal sector
Creation of TIN is divided into two
1. TIN for Individuals
2. TIN for Organisations
How To Generate TIN for Individuals
Individuals can apply on the JTB website with NIN or BVN (Bank Verification Number) or visit your nearest Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with Utility Bill, Valid ID (Government Approved) and a Passport Photograph.
You can check online to see if you have an existing TIN by clicking here.
To verify TIN, search using your BVN or Registered Phone Number and your Date of Birth.
As an individual:
- Visit the Joint Tax Board website here
- Click on “Register for TIN (Individual)”
- You will be asked to provide your BVN and a valid means of identification
- Follow the simple process after providing the information
How To Generate TIN for Non individuals
Non Individuals such as (Limited Liability Companies, Incorporated Trustees, Enterprises, Cooperative Society, MDAs, and Trade Association etc.) can register for their TIN on the JTB website with Certificate of Incorporation and Director’s BVN or NIN and a valid ID of Directors.
Your request will be verified and approved. TIN Certificate will be sent automatically to registered email or hard copy can be pick at FIRS Office.
However the foregoing, due to system integration issues between FIRS and JTB, both individual and Non individual registration done on JTB website, will have to be domesticated at nearest FIRS Office for validation and proper activation for major Government Agency operations such as Nigeria Customs, Central Bank of Nigeria and Standard Organisation of Nigeria
As an organization:
- Visit the Joint Tax Board website here
- Click on “Register for TIN (Non Individual)”
- You will be asked to select your organisation type, provide your business name and registration number
- Follow the simple process after providing the information
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