How to Get Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria

Getting a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria is very simple, fast, and free of charge. I’ll be showing you how to get one for yourself or your business.

But before then, Why do you need TIN?

Taxpayer Identification Number (or “TIN”) is simply a number attached to you or your business that keeps track of your tax history.

it is an important number that every individual and business must have because it is your responsibility as a citizen of a country or a business in that country to pay Tax to the government.

Recently, a popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo was given a 7-day ultimatum to pay her ₦18m tax bill or she’ll be probed.

I was trying to create an Upwork account last week and I was asked to drop my TIN before I can fully utilize Upwork’s services.

Aside from paying Taxes, you need a TIN if you want to open a corporate bank account for your business or company.

And depending on what you need from Banks or any institution such as a loan or grant, they may require your TIN.

If you’re a freelancer or someone trying to apply for a job abroad, your TIN may be compulsory before you’re considered.

So let me show you how to get Personal and Business TIN in Nigeria starting with personal first;

How to Get Personal TIN in Nigeria

You can decide to visit the local FIRS in your city or local government to apply manually or you do it online.

If you want to do it online yourself, continue reading.

The requirement to Get a Personal TIN in Nigeria

Bank Verification Number (BVN)
National Identification Number (NIN)
Date of Birth
An Email Address
A passport photograph

If you have those items in place, let’s go!

Step 1: Go to this link:

https://tin.jtb.gov.ng/TinIndividualRequestExternal

Step 2: Fill in all the details and hit the search button.

Note: The reason why you’re searching is that it is very possible that a TIN has been automatically created for you.

Step 3: If no record is found, proceed to submit a request by filling in the next form

Step 4: Once you submit a request, you’ll receive a confirmation email that your request has been processed.

Here is what it looks like:

Taxpayer identification number TIN in Nigeria

Note: Your request ID should be hidden from any other person.

Now you’re asked to wait while your request is processed.

Now the question is how long will it take to get your TIN?

The answer is within a week.

I got mine in just 5 days (weekends included).

The Taxpayer identification number TIN in Nigeria

That’s how the email with your TIN will look like.

Now, let’s talk about non-individual taxpayer numbers.

How to get Non-individual TIN for your business, company, or startup in Nigeria

Just like we did individual TIN, the same approach is applicable here.

But let’s talk about the requirements.

Requirements to Get Non-individual TIN in Nigeria

Your CAC registration details

That simply means you must have registered your business, startup, or company with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

If you haven’t, read this guide on how to register your business in Nigeria. For a company or startup, you should use the service of a lawyer.

Note: TIN is always registered for your business or company automatically upon registering with CAC. So you may not need to create TIN as a standalone.

But if there’s a reason TIN is not created for you, proceed to do it yourself.

Here is how:

Step 1: Go to this link:

https://tin.jtb.gov.ng/TinRequestExternal

Step 2: Fill in the details required and submit your request.

Step 3: Wait for a confirmation email and subsequently wait for your TIN in a few days.

That’s how everything about getting a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria.

But here are a few questions and answers about TIN registration in Nigeria

Q: How much does it cost to get a TIN in Nigeria?

A: It’s free of charge.

Q: How long does it take to get a TIN in Nigeria?

A: Less than a week.

Q: Who needs a TIN in Nigeria?

A: Every individual and business entity in the country.

Q: How do I verify a TIN in Nigeria?

A: To verify a TIN, go to https://tinverification.jtb.gov.ng/, and fill in the details accordingly.

Q: How do I get a TIN certificate in Nigeria?

A: Go to the link above, once you verify, a button to download the certificate.

That’s How to Getting a TIN in Nigeria

If you have any further questions about Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) in Nigeria, kindly consult the local FIRS office in your local government.