The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individual Nigerians.
The clarification was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws, shared by the Service on its official X handle.
According to FIRS, registered businesses will also no longer need a separate tax identifier, as their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will now function as their official Tax ID under the revised system.
The announcement comes amid public concerns over provisions in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), which is set to take effect in January 2026 and mandates the use of Tax IDs for certain transactions, including bank account ownership.
FIRS emphasized that the requirement is not new, noting that it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has now been reinforced under the NTAA.
“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the Service explained.
“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”
The agency said the new system aims to simplify taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication, close loopholes for tax evasion, and ensure fairness by making sure all individuals with taxable income contribute their share.
It also urged Nigerians to ignore misinformation about the reform, assuring that the updated framework is intended to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.
As a result, all Nigerians with a NIN now automatically have a Tax ID, making it easier to integrate them into the tax system once they receive taxable income.
Addressing public concerns, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, clarified that not all bank accounts are required to have a Tax Identification Number before January 2026.
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