FIRS Declares NIN Now Automatically Serves As Tax ID For Nigerians, CAC Number For Companies

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will now automatically serve as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individual Nigerians. The announcement was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws, shared on FIRS’ X account. FIRS also clarified that registered businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID. Instead, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will act as their official tax identifier under the revised system. The clarification comes amid concerns over new tax law provisions requiring a Tax ID for transactions such as opening bank accounts. The Service explained that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which takes effect in January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions. It noted that this requirement is not new, as it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has now been reinforced under the NTAA. “The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” FIRS said. “For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. There is no need for a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.” FIRS said the new system aims to simplify taxpayer identification, prevent duplication, curb tax evasion, and ensure fairness by making sure all taxable individuals contribute their share. The Service urged the public to ignore misinformation about the reform, assuring Nigerians that the updated framework is intended to improve efficiency and transparency in tax administration.

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Massive Fire Erupts At FIRS Abuja Headquarters, Staff Evacuated Safely

A major fire broke out today at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) headquarters in Abuja, sending thick black smoke into the sky and triggering panic among employees and nearby residents. Eyewitnesses reported flames erupting from a section of the multi-storey building in Wuse Zone, with videos and images of the blaze rapidly circulating on social media as emergency teams rushed to the scene. Firefighters from the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service quickly arrived, working to control the fire while ensuring the safe evacuation of staff and visitors. There are no confirmed casualties so far, with initial reports indicating that everyone inside was safely escorted out. The cause of the fire remains unclear, and authorities have yet to provide details on the damage or whether sensitive documents were affected. Some sources near the building suggested the fire may have been triggered by an electrical fault, a common problem in many Nigerian public offices.

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FIRS Confirms Death of Four Staff in Afriland Towers Fire Tragedy

FIRS Confirms Death of Four Staff in Afriland Towers Fire Tragedy

LAGOS | September 18, 2025 — The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is mourning the loss of four of its staff members who died in a devastating fire that broke out on Tuesday at Afriland Towers, located on Broad Street in Lagos. According to an official statement released by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, the victims were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager). The fire reportedly affected the sixth and seventh floors of the high-rise building, which houses the agency’s Medium Tax Audit Office and the Onikan Emerging Tax Office. “It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers,” the statement read. FIRS stated that its internal security and safety personnel promptly contacted the fire service upon detecting the fire, but by the time emergency responders arrived, thick smoke had already overwhelmed parts of the building. The agency expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that it has reached out to the families of the deceased, assuring them of full support during this difficult time. “We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is ongoing, we will also be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices nationwide — whether rented or owned,” the agency added. Investigations into the cause of the fire are currently underway.

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FG Abolishes Consolidated Relief Allowance Introduces Rent-Based Tax Relief

By Kamal Yalwa August 1, 2025 The Federal Government has scrapped the longstanding consolidated relief and personal relief allowances under Nigeria’s personal income tax system, replacing them with a new rent-based deduction framework, as introduced in the newly enacted Tax Act. According to the law, an individual’s taxable income will now be computed as the total income minus total deductions, with income sources including profits from business or trade, employment and investment income, as well as capital gains from the disposal of chargeable assets. Previously, tax computation included a consolidated relief of ₦200,000 or 1% of gross income (whichever is higher), plus a 20% personal relief of gross income. Under the new provisions, these have been abolished and replaced with a rent relief formula aimed at providing targeted tax benefits. “Rent relief of 20% of annual rent paid, subject to a maximum of ₦500,000, whichever is lower,” the Act states.The relief is limited to tenants, with no provision made for homeowners. New Relief to Favour Low-Income Earners Speaking to TheCable, tax consultant John Nwokolo explained that the new system is designed to favour lower-income earners, while high-income individuals will pay more under the revised Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) framework. “Those earning below ₦25 million annually will benefit more from the new structure,” Nwokolo said, “while those earning above ₦25 million will face higher tax burdens compared to the previous law.” For example, a person earning ₦6 million annually and paying ₦1 million in rent will receive a rent relief of ₦200,000 (20% of rent), making the taxable income ₦5.8 million, and a tax of ₦834,000.Under the old law, with ₦1.2 million in total relief, the taxable income would have been ₦4.6 million, leading to a tax of ₦896,000—₦62,000 more in taxes than under the new law. Key Provisions of the New Tax Act The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and state tax authorities are expected to issue further guidance on the implementation of the new tax provisions.

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