Post Image
  In Nigeria, the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is issued by tax authorities and serves as your financial or tax identity as far as the Nigerian government is concerned. As such, individuals and organizations running a business in Nigeria are required to have one.
Read more about Finance
TIN is issued to corporate bodies by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which is the agency responsible for collecting taxes at the federal level. State Boards of Internal Revenue also issue the Joint Tax Board TIN (JTB TIN) to individuals in employment. Establishments expected to obtain TIN include companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Professional Associations, and Trusts and Estates.

Why Your Business Should Have a TIN

You need to have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number to do the following things:
  • Register a company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
  • File annual tax returns
  • For tax remittances and payments
  • Obtain tax clearance certificates
  • Open corporate bank accounts
  • Import and export trades and clear goods at Nigeria’s borders
  • Take part in public sector tenders and contracts
Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter

Documents You Should Have Before Applying for TIN

These are the documents you will need when applying for TIN:
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association
  • Tax Clearance of Directors
  • Business Address Verification
  • Rent or lease documents for your business premises

How to Apply for TIN

Follow these steps to apply for a Tax Identification Number for your business:
  • Visit the TIN portal on the Joint Tax Board website on your device
  • Click “Register for TIN (non-individual)”
  • Fill in the registration form with the correct details
  • Submit the form
If you choose to apply physically, you can do so at the FIRS office closest to you. Be sure to attach copies of your documents, and three copies of the application forms that you have filled (an original, another for filing, and one more for you). Your submission will be reviewed by tax authorities. If they are verified, you will receive notification of this via email and SMS and will be issued a TIN.
Register to attend the CN Business Mixer

Final Words

The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identifier that all business entities eligible for tax payment should have. If you have not yet obtained one for your business, ensure that you do so as soon as possible, to enjoy its benefits and avoid negative legal consequences.
Did you find this article useful? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
You might also like:
This article was first published on 2nd January 2025

ikenna-nwachukwu

Ikenna Nwachukwu holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He loves to look at the world through multiple lenses- economic, political, religious and philosophical- and to write about what he observes in a witty, yet reflective style.

Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *