How to Get Tax Identification Number in Nigeria Online | Full Guide

While trying to run a business in Nigeria, one of the requirements needed to register a business is Tax Identification Number (TIN). This is usually obtained at the Federal Inland Revenue office after a hectic process. This rigorous process can now be bypassed through their online portal. With this, you need to know how to get Tax Identification Number in Nigeria Online.

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique number issued to individuals and businesses for tax purposes in Nigeria. It is required for various transactions (opening businesses, bank accounts, etc.) and for filing tax returns.

This writing will clearly explain what the Tax Identification Number is, the Nigerian TIN system, and how to get Tax Identification Number Online.

About Tax Identification Number in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the Joint Tax Board (JTB) oversees the Personal Income Tax (PIT) system. The TIN is issued by the JTB to all taxpayers (individuals and companies) in Nigeria. (Some states use the term “Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)” via their State Internal Revenue Service for local taxes, but the JTB issues the standard federal TIN used nationwide.)

According to tax authorities, the TIN is “a specific digit given to a person upon successful registration with the revenue authority”. Every state (and the Federal Capital Territory) has a tax office, but JTB coordinates PIT administration across Nigeria.

Every employed Nigerian or business should have a TIN. It is used to track tax obligations and filings. Once issued, the TIN is yours for life. You’ll receive a TIN certificate (and often an email) confirming your number when registration is complete.

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Is it possible to get my Nigerian TIN online?

Yes. You can apply for or verify your TIN online via the JTB portals. Nigerians cannot obtain an automatic TIN by phone or SMS; the official method is through web portals. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and each State Internal Revenue Service also use the JTB’s system for PIT TINs.

If you already registered a long time ago and forgot your TIN, you can verify it online. The Joint Tax Board provides a TIN Verification portal. Simply enter your details to check your TIN. Similarly, for companies, the FIRS has a TIN verification tool.

Nigerian TINs are managed electronically. Use the online verification site or contact your tax office; there’s no known official SMS or USSD method.

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How to Get Tax Identification Number in Nigeria Online

To apply for a new TIN (if you don’t have one), follow these steps on the JTB portal:

1. Prepare your information

You’ll need basic identification info, especially your Bank Verification Number (BVN), date of birth, and full name (for individuals). For companies, you need registration documents.

2. Visit the JTB registration site

Go to the JTB Tax Identification portal. There are separate forms for individuals and non-individuals (companies).

3. Complete the form online

If you are an individual, select “Individual Request” and fill in your BVN and personal data. For companies/others, use the “TIN Request” form.

4. Submit and wait for approval

After submitting, JTB will review your application. If approved, your TIN certificate will be sent to the email you provided (the process may take several weeks). (The guidance notes it “may take 4 weeks or more” to receive your certificate.)

5. Download your TIN

Check the email or the JTB portal for your TIN certificate. You can now use your TIN for tax or business registration.

For salaried employees, some banks automatically register you for TIN using your BVN when you first get a job or open a bank account. But the safest way to ensure you have a TIN is to follow the steps above. There is no charge for registration on the official portal.

How do you know your tax ID number in Nigeria?

If you already have a TIN but forgot it, retrieve it by using the verification portal or contacting tax authorities. On the JTB TIN Verification site, you can enter your name or BVN and get your TIN if it exists. The portal works for individuals and businesses alike. Alternatively, the FIRS also provides a verification app for business TIN lookups (apps.firs.gov.ng).

If online methods fail, you may call or visit the tax office that issued your TIN (e.g. the state IRS or FIRS offices). Provide your details and they can look up your TIN. Keep your TIN certificate or details in a safe place once found.

How to check TIN number on phone using phone number?

Currently, there is no dedicated phone/SMS service to retrieve your Nigerian TIN via mobile number. The JTB and FIRS only offer web-based lookup tools as described above. Your BVN (from your bank) is key to registering or verifying your TIN online.

If by “phone number” you mean contacting someone by mobile, you can try calling the JTB or your State IRS helpline for assistance. For example, Nigeria’s Joint Tax Board and many state tax offices have contact lines. But the recommended approach is to use the official websites.

Double-check any information you submit online; only use government portals (URLs ending in jtb.gov.ng or firs.gov.ng) to avoid fraud.

Also see: How to Import Goods from China to Nigeria | Step to Step Guide

FAQs

Conclusion

Obtaining and verifying your Tax Identification Number in Nigeria is straightforward with the online tools provided by the tax authorities. You can register for a new TIN by applying through the JTB portal, and you can retrieve or verify an existing TIN via their verification site.

Remember to keep your TIN certificate or number in a safe place once you have it. Whether you’re an employee or entrepreneur, having your TIN ready is essential for legal and financial transactions. Always ensure you’re dealing with the official government websites to protect your data.

References

• jtb.gov.ng/apply-for-tin/
• bomesresourcesconsulting.com/How to Get Tax Identification Number in Nigeria Online
• sowprofessional.com/How to Get Tax Identification Number in Nigeria Online

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