The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is charged with the responsibility of assessing, collecting, and accounting for the money collected in taxes and other revenue accrued to the Nigerian government. All Nigerian workforce, be it individuals and companies that sell products or services, work for the government, other public entities, private companies, or freelance systems, must have a Tax Identification Number (TIN).
In Nigeria, banks have made it mandatory to obtain a TIN before opening a corporate bank account. This is part of the country’s efforts to increase tax compliance and ease tax collection. Banks are also required to get TINs for all existing accounts. The Federal Inland Revenue Service issues the number, which can be obtained from any of its offices throughout the federation.
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What is the Tax Identification Number in Nigeria?
TIN is a unique number given to an individual, a registered business, or an incorporated company for the purpose of tax payment. TIN is generated for proper identification, order, and ensuring that more people are brought to the tax net. TIN is mandated for both Individual and Corporate Organisations before a bank account can be opened for them. This is done to synchronize taxpayer banking and tax databases with a view to improving tax compliance and ease of tax administration.
TIN Registration Process for Individuals
Individuals are automatically assigned TIN based on their Bank verification number (BVN) or National Identification Number (NIN). To check your TIN as an individual, the following steps must be completed.
- Visit https://tinverification.jtb.gov.ng/
- Select your Date of Birth
- Select your preferred search criteria from the Select Criteria Dropdown-TIN or BVN or Registered Phone Number
- Provide the appropriate value based on the search criteria in Step 2 above
- Confirm you are not a robot by checking the reCAPTCHA Box
- Click the Search button.
TIN Registration Process for Non-Individuals
Corporations automatically have TIN on their certificate of incorporation. To activate their TIN, they must apply at the FIRS office. This is carried out by completing Form 001 at the FIRS office. The applicant must provide an application letter, incorporation documents, and utility bill. Once the application process is completed, the TIN will be activated for the purpose of opening a bank account.
However, Proprietors of business names are to apply for TIN at the FIRS office. This is carried out by completing Form 001 at the FIRS office. The applicant must provide an application letter, status report, and utility bill of the registered business. Once the application process is completed, a unique 10-digit VAT identification number will be issued and activated for the business to enable the proprietor to open a bank account for the business.
How to Check Your TIN as a Non-Individual
- Visit https://tinverification.jtb.gov.ng/
- Select the Organization’s Date of Incorporation
- Select your preferred search criteria from the Select Criteria Dropdown-TIN or CAC registration Number or Registered Phone Number. CAC registration number should be typed in this format: BN1234 or IT1234 or RC1234.
- Provide the appropriate value based on the search criteria in Step 2 above.
- Next, confirm you are not a robot by checking the reCAPTCHA Box.
- Click the Search button.
How to Verify TIN in Nigeria?
The following are the steps to verify your TIN.
2. Select your preferred search criteria (TIN, registered number, or phone number) from the drop-down menu
- Enter the digit of the search criteria you have chosen. The CAC registration number should be entered in BN1234 or IT1234, or RC1234 format.
4. Input the correct captcha image displayed
- Click on search to verify your TIN.
How to Retrieve a TIN Number in Nigeria?
If you have lost or forgotten your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria, you should visit the nearest FIRS office in your state or region and request assistance retrieving your TIN.
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