FIRS Declares NIN Now Officially Your Tax ID – No Separate TIN Needed

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has confirmed that Nigerians will no longer need a separate Tax Identification Number, as the National Identification Number has now been adopted as the official tax ID for individuals.

The clarification follows growing public attention around new tax rules and questions about whether citizens would be required to obtain additional identification numbers for tax-related transactions.

In a statement issued on Monday, the tax agency explained that the change is part of a broader reform under Nigeria’s evolving tax administration framework.

According to the Service, every individual Nigerian’s NIN, issued by the National Identity Management Commission, now automatically functions as their Tax Identification Number.

FIRS also extended the clarification to businesses. It stated that registered companies will no longer require a separate tax ID, as their Corporate Affairs Commission registration number will now serve as their official identifier for tax purposes.

The explanation comes amid concerns triggered by provisions in the new tax laws that require a Tax ID for certain activities, including the opening and operation of bank accounts. Many Nigerians had feared this would introduce an entirely new registration process.

The Service explained that the requirement for a Tax ID is not new. It noted that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, which will take effect in January 2026, merely reinforces an existing framework that has been in place since the Finance Act of 2019.

While addressing the issue, the agency said, “The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier.”

It further clarified, “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.”

According to FIRS, the updated system is designed to simplify identification, reduce duplication across government databases, and improve accountability in the tax system.

The agency said the reform will also help curb tax evasion by ensuring that individuals and businesses with taxable income are properly captured.

The Service urged Nigerians to disregard misleading information circulating about the policy, stressing that the reform is aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and fairness in tax administration, not increasing hardship.

FIRS added that integrating tax records with existing national databases will make compliance easier for taxpayers while strengthening government revenue collection.