How to Get Tax Identification Number (TIN Number) in Nigeria

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:

  1. Filling of the compulsory sections on the form marked by an asterisks (*);
  2. The characters of the name as well as address filled on the form(including symbols and letters) must not exceed 200;
  3. Having an active and unique email address to be used in the application process;
  4. 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.

44 thoughts on “How to Get Tax Identification Number (TIN Number) in Nigeria”

  1. Good day sir , I have worked in a private and left the place in July ,and tax has been deducted from my monthly salary for more than five years .does that mean I have tin number ? If the answer is no .how can I register for tin working in a private schools .thanks a lot

  2. I was sent a message from FCT-IRS that I have been captured and a TIN was also included but I was surprised that upon verification I was told no such record exist in my name, pls what next can I do>

  3. Sir,
    I registered my company in 2016. I now realize the need to register for TIN.
    I have been asked to pay almost 200,000.00 as penalty for late registration. Is this not against the way of ease business in Nigeria as signed in the Executive order of Mr. PRESIDENT

  4. Good morning please ive already done my TIN registration but ive misplaced the TIN number so i tried retrieving it Online but the System doesnt recognise any of my email and i want to renew my Drivers License please how do i go About it? Thank you.

  5. pls, what do i do?,my TIN was created or generated since 2016, march and was just updated and validated but if i try to use it i get a comment such as TIN not found and email not Tin email. what do i do and can the TIN be replace

  6. I am in MOWE, Ogun state.I need the tax identification number, how can i process it and how long will it take me to get it, electronically or manually, cost is included too.thanks

  7. I obtained this number about 4years ago but I don’t remember it again and I’ve lost the card. Is there any way to retrieve it back? and How? thanks

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