What is a TAX Identification number(TIN)? A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identifying number used for tax purposes in Europe, America, and other continents. In the United States, it is also known as a Tax Identification Number or Federal Taxpayer Identification Number which could be assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or by the Social Security Administration.
As part of the development of the Nigerian government to create an identity for its citizens, It is now important for citizens to have a tax ID or when about to register a company.
In order to get a TIN in Nigeria, an application form is needed to be completed then submit it to NFIRS ( Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service).
REASONS WHY YOU NEED TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)
When is the TAX identification number required? it is required for the following reasons;
- It is required when you want to open a business account.
- It is required for getting tax clearance, waiver incentive, and allowance.
- It is required when you apply for a government loan.
- It is required if you need an import, export, or trade license.
- It is required when you want to register your vehicle.
REQUIREMENTS FOR TIN IN NIGERIA
The official registration application form for Tax Identification Number in Nigeria is free of charge. As it has now become a legal obligation of each Nigerian, you are however expected to pay taxes if you live and work in Nigeria.
The requirements are;
- Each applicant has to provide an active email address.
- Providing 11-digit phone numbers is necessary.
- Your TIN has to be Join Tax Board TIN only.
- You have to make sure the address and name lines include no more than 200 characters (per each field).
- all the fields marked as * in the TIN application form are compulsory.
- Only the official taxpayer can use his or her TIN (no third party persons are allowed).
- Usually, you don’t have to apply for TIN if you are an incorporated trustee (but laws can change, so double-check this information at NFIRS office).
- Each Nigerian should get TIN if his or her firm receives income and profit.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN TIN ONLINE IN NIGERIA?
As stated by the Joint Tax Board portal, individuals are normally assigned with a TIN based on their BVN (Bank Verification Number) or NIN (National Identity Number). This explains that you need to have a NIN or BVN before you can get a Tax identification number. However, this doesn’t apply for non-individuals such as (Limited Liability Companies, Incorporated Trustees, Enterprises, Cooperative Society, MDAs, Trade Association, etc.) Anyone or anybody who falls under this category should register online for your TIN through this link – click here .
REQUIREMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS
Requirments for individuals seeking the TIN number whose business has not been duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) are set forth below;
- A TIN application form that has been duly completed
- A valid identification document which shall be used for verification. These documents might be a National Drivers’ License, National Identity Card, a Staff Identity Card, or an international passport.
REQUIREMENT FOR COMPANY OR BUSINESS REGISTRATION WITH CAC
The requirements for a Company or Business registered with the CAC that wants to obtain the TIN number are set forth below;
- A TIN application form that has been duly completed
- Business name registration certificate (for Enterprise or Business) or Certificate of incorporation (for Companies) showing the registration number in either case
- Documents that have the following information: The date when the business started, the current address of the business, and the principal location of the business
- After providing the above as either an individual or an organization at the tax office, you will need to update the TIN obtained from the tax office. Here, you will only need your valid email address and registered phone number that you used during the registration process.
HOW CAN I VERIFY MY TIN IN NIGERIA?
You can verify your TIN by visiting firs.gov.ng as It is important that you verify your tax identification number once you receive it.
once you access the page, then click on TIN Verification and go to the search form, you will be given three(3) options:
1. Search using Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Select Tax Identification number on the select search criteria drop-down list
- Input your TIN (FIRS or JTB TIN) in the search value field
- Enter the correct captcha image text
- Click on the search button
2. Search using CAC Registration Number
- Select CAC Registration number on the select search criteria drop-down list
- Enter your CAC registration number in the search value field
- Enter the correct captcha image text
- Click on the search button
3. Search Using Phone Number
- Select Phone number on the select search criteria drop-down list
- Enter your phone number in the search value field
- Enter the correct captcha image text
- Click on the search button
It is compulsory to file monthly VAT and tax returns after you have registered your Tax Identification Number (TIN)
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO OBTAIN TIN IN NIGERIA?
Application for TIN is totally free if you do it yourself. There are no fees attached unless you register via the help of a third party in obtaining the TIN or incurred any tax penalty which according to the law is based on the time-frame given to obtain your TIN. This rule applies to both individuals or companies alike.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO OBTAIN THE TIN?
The TIN generation process takes 48 hours after a TIN request has been submitted online. To make a TIN request online, Visit the official website via https://tin.jtb.gov.ng
