The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified 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 announcement was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws, shared by FIRS on X.
For registered businesses, FIRS stated that a separate Tax ID is no longer required. Instead, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will act as their official tax identifier under the revised system.
The clarification comes amid public concerns over provisions in the new tax laws requiring a Tax ID for certain transactions, including opening bank accounts.
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According to FIRS, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), set to take effect from January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions. The Service emphasised that this requirement is not new, as it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and is now reinforced under the NTAA.
“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” FIRS said. “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.”
FIRS explained that the updated system aims to simplify taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication, prevent tax evasion, and ensure fairness by making sure all individuals with taxable income contribute their share.
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The Service also urged Nigerians to ignore misinformation about the reform, assuring that the updated tax framework is designed to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
