What is Tax Identification Number in Nigeria?
Tax identification number popularly referred to as TIN is a unique numbers given or assigned to all those who pay taxes in Nigeria and this includes both individuals and companies.
TIN number is usually contained in a tax certificate which shows that holders are tax paying citizens or entities in Nigeria.
The TIN in Nigeria is very unique in the sense that no two tax payers holds same TIN.
Tax paying culture among individuals in Nigeria is very poor,hence many income earning citizens in Nigeria do not imbibe the tax paying habits and have little or no information about what Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is all about and how to get TIN in Nigeria as well as the cost of obtaining Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria.
How Do I Get Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria?
Tax identification number and tax certificate can be obtained through Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
This the government body that is empowered by law to collect taxes on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria.
However,it is important to note that TIN is issued under the authority of joint tax board.
So, if you want to get TIN in Nigeria, you will need to visit the nearest FIRS office closest to you and apply for TIN through FIRS office.
How To Apply for TIN in Nigeria
The following procedures can help you to apply and receive your tax identification number seamless in Nigeria.
This is how to apply and get TIN as an individual in Nigeria.
- The interested applicants will have to visit the nearest FIRS office.
- Ask for a TIN application form from the reception or customer service desk.
- Complete the application form, ensuring you fill out every space with an asterisk symbol.
- Put Down your signature on the documents after filling out.
- Make sure all required documents is attached.
Submit it to the relevant person at the FIRS office. - Your application will be forwarded to the relevant department for review.
- The FIRS will then contact you for issuance of a TIN once its ready.
How To Get TIN For Business or Company in Nigeria
If you operate a business or company in Nigeria,it is important that you also obtain tax certificate and TIN for your companies.
Here are some procedures and steps to getting TIN for companies and businesses in Nigeria.
Visit the JTB (Joint Tax Board) TIN registration portal and follow the instructions and steps on the portal.
It is the easiest way to get TIN for corporate bodies, companies and businesses.
It is important to note that requirements for obtaining TIN for companies and corporate bodies is different from individual tax identification number.
One of the major requirements for getting TIN for companies is CAC certificate.
Also, evidence of tax payments must be attached and will have to be upto date.
These are some of the requirements and steps for getting TIN for companies.
Above all, visiting any branch offices of FIRS will help you get your TIN with the guide and directives of the staff of the government agency.
Cost of Getting Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria
This is equally one of the frequently asked questions about getting TIN in Nigeria.
Those who wants to get TIN either as individuals or corporate bodies are usually quick to find if they will pay to get TIN and how much it costs to get or obtain Tax Identification Number in Nigeria.
This is not surprising because of the culture of monetisation of getting government documents and services in Nigeria.
However,the cost of getting TIN in Nigeria is very surprising because it is absolutely free to apply and obtain TIN in Nigeria.
FIRS doesn’t charge individuals or corporate bodies money to issue them with tax identification number (TIN).
However,if you apply for TIN through a third party, you are likely to be charged for the services rendered.
Some agents and third-parties charge as a high as N15,000 to help individuals, businesses or company apply and get their TIN number in Nigeria.
What is the Use of Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria?
Tax identification number in Nigeria is very useful in many ways.
It aids individuals and companies in the following ways.
- Obtain a tax clearance certificate for your business.
- Application for certificate of occupancy
- Obtain Government Loan Applications
- Filing annual income tax returns
- Opening a Corporate Bank Account
- Foreign exchange Transactions
- Motor Vehicle Registration
- International Trade License
These are some of the uses and reasons why you should consider getting a TIN in Nigeria.
It also helps to legitimise a business or an individual as being taxpayer in Nigeria especially when having international dealings.
How Long Does It Take to Process & Get TIN in Nigeria?
The processing period for TIN application in Nigeria is usually a very short period of not more than 7 working days.
In some instances, it can be issued on the day of application.
How long it takes to get taxpayer identification number in Nigeria most times is largely decided by the FIRS office that was used or visited for application.
Requirements for Getting Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria
The requirements to getting TIN in Nigeria varies and is based on categories of the application.
It requires different documents to register for TIN as an individual, business owner and corporate bodies.
To register and get TIN as an individual, you are required to produce the following:
- Duly completed TIN Application Form
- Present means of identification – National Driver’s License, International Passport, National Identity Card, Official (Staff) ID card,
- Certified copy of your full birth certificate
- Utility bill
Requirements for getting TIN for Incorporated companies in Nigeria includes the following:
- Duly completed TIN Application Form
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MEMART)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Particulars of the Company Directors
- Statement of Share Capital
- Utility bill
Requirements for getting TIN in Nigeria as Business Owner/ Self Employed.
This is for business that is registered with CAC but not yet incorporated.
- Duly completed TIN Application Form
- Application letter
- Business Name Registration Certificate
- Utility bill