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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All Taxable Nigerians Must Have TIN To Operate Bank Accounts From January 2026, Says FG

The federal government has announced that all taxable Nigerians will be required to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to operate bank accounts, as part of new tax reforms set to take effect on January 1, 2026. Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, shared the update in a post on his X account on Thursday. He explained that Section 4 of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which comes into force in 2026, mandates that all taxable persons must register for a tax ID. However, Oyedele clarified that students and dependents are exempt from this requirement. He also noted that while the policy has been in place since the Finance Act of 2020, the NTAA now provides a legal framework for its full implementation. Individuals and businesses that already have TINs will not need to obtain a new one. “Yes, but with some exemptions. A section of the NTAA requires a taxable person to register and obtain a tax ID. A taxable person is anyone who earns income through trade, business, or any economic activity. Banks must therefore request a tax ID from taxable persons. Individuals who do not earn income, such as students and dependents, do not need a tax ID. Any taxable entity without a tax ID may face challenges operating their bank account in the near future,” Oyedele stated.

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