The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed that starting January 2026, the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will automatically serve as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individual Nigerians.
In a public awareness campaign on X, the FIRS also clarified that businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID, as their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers will now serve as their official tax identifiers under the new system.
The announcement comes amid public concerns over new tax provisions requiring a Tax ID for transactions such as opening bank accounts.
The FIRS explained that this requirement is not entirely new, noting that it has been in place since the Finance Act of 2019 but has been strengthened under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which takes effect next year.
“The Tax ID unifies all previous tax identifiers issued by the FIRS and state revenue services into a single number,” the FIRS said.
“For individuals, your NIN serves as your Tax ID, while registered companies will use their CAC RC number.
There is no need for a physical card, as the number is directly linked to your identity.”
The agency said the reform aims to simplify tax identification, reduce duplication, close loopholes for evasion, and ensure fairness in tax collection.
The public was urged to disregard misinformation and assured that the new system will enhance efficiency and transparency.
Previously, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, had stated that banks will be required to collect TINs from all taxable Nigerians as part of the new federal tax administration framework starting January 1, 2026.
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