Are you a citizen of Nigeria working with the Government or the private sector? Or even a business owner in operation or with an intent to start up one?
Then you must have your tax identification number (TIN number).
The TIN number is a unique number issued and allocated to individuals or companies to identify them as registered tax payers in Nigeria. Some companies like to use fully-verified service, to help verify and protect your identity.
In order to obtain your TIN number in Nigeria, you need to follow a process laid down by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in Nigeria.
The Joint Tax Board has an improved electronic system for obtaining you TIN number and this is FREE. The system makes it possible for you to be identified electronically anywhere around Nigeria and is also in use by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) in all the states. This prevents multiple taxation levied on individuals or companies.
The process involves the completion of an application form, which involves some identification process. The form can be obtained in any tax office close to you. Thereafter, the submitted form will be verified and the TIN number issued.
Some important rules to follow include:
- Filling of the compulsory sections on the form marked by an asterisks (*);
- The characters of the name as well as address filled on the form(including symbols and letters) must not exceed 200;
- Having an active and unique email address to be used in the application process;
- Enter eleven digits for mobile phone number (e.g. 08033333333).
The requirements for an individual whose business is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) seeking TIN number are
- A duly completed TIN application form
- A current and valid identification document (such as international passport, National Drivers’ License, National Identity Card, Staff Identity Card)
The requirements for an Enterprise, Company or Business registered with the CAC seeking TIN number are
- A duly completed TIN application form
- Business name registration certificate (for Enterprise or Business) or Certificate of incorporation (for Companies) showing the registration number in either case
- Documents showing the following information
- Principal location of the business
- The date of commencement of the business
- The current address of the business
The next stage is to update the TIN obtained from the tax office. For this process you will need your email address and phone number used during the registration process. This can be done at the tax office too.
Then, you have the validation stage, which confirms the updated TIN. This is to make sure that your TIN meets the necessary conditions for business transactions with other Government bodies like the Nigerian Custom Service, National Agency For Food And Drug Administration and Control, and Central Bank of Nigeria etc.
In some cases the registration for TIN is accompanied by the registration for Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax as well. This is however applicable if your company or business has been registered and in operation for up to six months.
Once you have registered for TIN, it becomes mandatory for you to file monthly VAT and tax returns. This can be made easy by employing the services of a tax consultant to advice you accordingly.