How to apply and get your Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria

Why is TIN Important in 2024 in Nigeria?

Having a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is important for individuals and businesses looking to involve in any financial activities in Nigeria.

A new bill in Nigeria is proposing a rule that would require both individuals and businesses to provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN) before they can open a new bank account or keep using an existing one.

Essentially, if this law passes, individuals engaged in banking, insurance, stockbroking, other financial services or anyone who wants to use a bank in Nigeria will first need to have a TIN, which is a number issued by the FIRS to track taxes, before they can proceed.

The goal of this bill is likely to make sure more people and businesses are paying taxes, as it will be harder to avoid the tax system if your banking activity is tied to your tax number.

Hence, TIN, otherwise known as Taxpayer Identification Number, is now an essential requirement in 2024 for individuals and businesses looking to operate financial services or related activities seamlessly in Nigeria.

TIN, usually 8-digit numbers, is a unique identifier that helps facilitate and record tax payments. It also helps ensure compliance with Nigeria’s tax regulations. It’s issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

From opening a bank account to applying for government loans or obtaining an import/export license, a TIN in Nigeria 2024 has become a mandatory requirement for small business owners , individuals, entrepreneurs, big companies e.t.c, and it can be obtained with ease if you follow the right steps.

Here’s why securing a TIN is so important:

• A TIN is now required to open/create a business bank account in Nigeria.
• A TIN is now required to apply for government-related loans and grants, especially for businesses and organizations seeking financial support.
• A valid TIN is now also required for tax clearance certificates, tax waivers, and other incentives in Nigeria.
• Lastly, if you don’t have TIN in 2024, you’re probably going against Nigeria’s tax law. Essentially, TIN is required for getting trade licenses, such as those for import and export operations.

Document Needed to Apply for a TIN in Nigeria

There are different requirements and documents required to generate a TIN for individuals, businesses and incorporated organizations.

For individual willing to generate TIN, all you need to provide is one national means of identification e.g NIN, Voter’s Card or Nigerian Passport. You will also need to provide one utility bill that’s between the range of three months.

For business willing to generate TIN in Nigeria, a business registration certificate and 3-months utility bill is needed. Furthermore, a complete TIN application form is also required for individuals and businesses to generate TIN. You can get the form on the FIRS’s official website.

For incorporated organizations/companies, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART) and Details of Directors and Share Capital Statement are needed to generate TIN in Nigeria.

In addition, do note that applying for TIN in Nigeria is free of charge regardless of status. Meanwhile, you must ensure that your contact details, including phone number, email address and business or office address are accurate.

More so, it’s important to note that obtaining a TIN in Nigeria does not necessarily make individuals liable for taxes, it is a mandatory requirement for proper tax accounting and accessing government incentives.

How to Apply for TIN in Nigeria

Applying for TIN in Nigeria can be done primarily online. The online application is applicable to individuals and businesses willing to generate TIN.

However, to ensure smooth and seamless online application of TIN in Nigeria, it’s important to consider the following factors: your documents and information must be accurate and once you've obtained your TIN, be sure to verify its status online to confirm that it has been properly activated.

FOR INDIVIDUALS

• Go-to https://tin.jtb.gov.ng/TinIndividualRequestExternal on your device’s web browser. This is a Joint Tax Board (JTB). You will get the online application form there.
• Fill out the online form using your bank verification number (BVN) or National Identification Number (BVN).
• Next, you’ll be required to upload your national identity card and utility bill. Upload those documents and submit the application.

Upon submission, your TIN online application will be reviewed and you’ll get a notification with TIN when the application is approved.

Furthermore, note that if you have a BVN or NIN, it’s possible yon’ve been assigned a TIN that you don’t know about. To confirm, visit the JTB’s verification portal and input your BVN and NIN consecutively to check if you have a TIN.

FOR BUSINESSES

• Go-to the JTB’s official website and enter your business information which includes busines registered name, business registration number, and business address on the online application portal.
• Next upload your business required documents and submit the online application form. Business documents including business registration certificate, business memorandum and articles of association, business particulars of directors, and business utility bill.

Upon submission, the FIRS will review your documents and issue the TIN upon approval. While the process for businesses generally takes around 10 business days, delays may occur, so it’s recommended to apply early.

How To Verify TIN

Once you complete your TIN online application on the JTB’s official website and your TIN is issued to you, then you need to validate the TIN on FIRS trade portal to be sure it valid and active.

Follow these steps to verify/validate your TIN on FIRS Trade Portal:

• Visit the FIRS Trade Portal at https://apps.firs.gov.ng/tinverification/
• Enter your TIN and email address
• Complete the “I’m not a robot” security check
• Click on “Validate” to confirm the validity of your TIN.

If your TIN is valid, a confirmation message will appear on the screen, and you'll also get an email with steps to complete your registration. Once everything is verified, your TIN will be activated, allowing you to use it for transactions like filing taxes or conducting business activities that require tax identification.