The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number for individual Nigerians.
Naijaonpoint reports that the announcement comes amid public concerns over provisions in the new tax laws that require a Tax ID for certain transactions, including the ownership of bank accounts.
However, the FIRS, in a post via 𝕏, clarified the identification method.
According to the FIRS, registered businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID; their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will serve as their official tax identifier under the new tax system.
Explaining the policy, the FIRS said the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, which is scheduled to take effect from January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions.
The FIRS added that the new system is designed to simplify identification, reduce duplication, close loopholes for tax evasion, and promote fairness by ensuring that everyone who earns taxable income contributes appropriately.
The service said, “The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier.
“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.”
FIRS further urged the public to disregard misinformation about the reform and assured Nigerians that the new tax framework is designed to improve efficiency and transparency in tax administration.