Tax identification number, commonly referred to as TIN, is a
very important requirement for any individual or business in Nigeria. This
number is crucial for meeting tax requirements and performing many financial
and legal transactions in the country. The process has however been eased with
the increased use of online platforms and thus the process has really been
enhanced. This guide captures the practical procedure of obtaining a Tax identification number in Nigeria online so as to
make the process easy for everyone.
What is a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?
A Tax Identification Number is a unique number assigned to a
person or company by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Nigeria for
tax identification. Essential in various financial and business operations,
including setting up a business banking account, applying for contracts, or
even registering a business. The TIN also plays a role in identifying whether
parties are paying their taxes appropriately and in monitoring taxes and
payments through government records.
Who Needs a Tax Identification Number?
i. Individuals: Every self-employed person with a business,
every company, and everyone involved in taxable operations must have a TIN.
ii. Companies: Legal entities, be it multinational
corporations or small-scale enterprises, require a Tax identification number to engage in any economic
activity in the country.
iii. Non-Residents: Every foreign person or company seeking
to engage in any form of business within the territory of Nigeria must also
obtain a TIN.
The following are the requirements for obtaining a TIN:
i. Personal Identification: For individuals, this may
include a valid government-issued identification such as a national ID card,
international passport or driver's license.
ii. Business Registration Documents: For businesses,
you will require the Certificate of Incorporation as well as other documents
from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
iii. Personal Information: reservation number, name,
contact number, address and all other required personal or business
identification information.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a TIN Online in Nigeria
Step 1: Visit the FIRS Online TIN Registration Portal
The first one is to access the FIRS official website or the
TIN registration website. This platform creates an avenue whereby people and
organizations can sign up for a TIN without necessarily having to present
themselves physically at an office. You can easily access their portal at
www.firs.gov.ng.
Step 2: Ensure That You Choose the Right Registration Category
The TIN registration has several subcategories depending on
whether one is applying as an individual or as a business entity. On the
portal's homepage, you will find options such as:
i. Individual Registration: This applies to sole
traders and individuals engaged in business on their own account.
ii. Corporate Registration: For registered companies.
To continue with the registration process, select a category
that best describes your situation.
Step 3: Fill out the Registration Form
Carefully enter the necessary information in the online
form. The form will request:
i. Personal Details: Basic personal data of the
subjects including their complete real names, date of birth, gender, and
contact details.
ii. Business Details: The business name, the CAC
registration number of the business, the type of business, and any other
relevant contact details.
iii. Contact Address: Make sure the address given is
accurate since it will be used to contact the client in the future if needed.
iv. Identification Documents: Scan and upload personal
identification such as a government-issued identification card for the
individual account or the CAC Certificate of Incorporation in the case of
business accounts.
Step 4: Validate Your BVN or NIN
For individuals it provides data verification by linking
your TIN to your BVN or NIN in order to ensure that the details are correct.
Depending on which you are using, input your BVN or NIN in the provided space
as this helps FIRS in confirming your identity.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Upon filling the form and confirming that all the details
provided are correct, the application should be submitted. Upon completion of
the application, you will receive an auto-generated application number through
which you can monitor the progress of the TIN request.
Step 6: Confirmation and Verification
After you have submitted the application, FIRS will work on
it and do some verification process. This step is vital to ensure that all the
details that has been provided tallies with the records held by the respective
government. The verification process may last several days, during which you
can track the status of your application using an application number.
Step 7: Receive Your TIN
Upon successful validation, the TIN will be processed and
sent to your email that is registered during the registration process. However,
if you need to print out your TIN certificate immediately, then you can print
it directly from the FIRS portal.
Optional: Physical Visit (If Necessary)
Although it is expected that the entire process is conducted
online, sometimes additional information or physical verification could be
needed. In such situations, FIRS will alert you through your provided contacts
and may ask you to go to the nearest FIRS center.
Potential Problems and How to Prevent Them
i. Incorrect Details: Make sure the data you enter
corresponds with your official records to prevent a possible delay.
ii. Document Clarity: Ensure that the documents to be
scanned are as comprehensive and legible as possible.
iii. Incomplete Forms: Make sure to ensure that all the
mandatory fields have been provided before submitting.
Conclusion
It has been easier to obtain a Tax Identification Number in Nigeria due to the online
application introduced by the Federal Inland Revenue Service. Through the
mentioned procedures where you have to complete the online form and provide
correct information about yourself, as well as submit your application, you
gain an easy way to secure your TIN that will allow you to operate legally in
Nigeria and meet the legal obligations to the government through paying taxes.
This efficient process shows the serious direction of the government towards
using technology in service delivery with a focus on improving the user
experience.
If you wish to contribute to our blog, please email us on wispaztechnologies@gmail.com.
Leave a Comment