No New Tax ID Needed: FIRS Explains What Nigerians Must Know

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has clarified that individual Nigerians do not need to obtain a separate Tax Identification Number, as their National Identification Number already serves that purpose.

According to information released by the revenue agency, the clarification follows widespread public concerns surrounding provisions in recently introduced tax laws that require a Tax ID for certain financial and administrative transactions, including the operation of bank accounts.

The service explained that under the revised tax framework, individuals will automatically use their National Identification Number issued by the National Identity Management Commission as their official Tax ID. In the same vein, registered businesses will no longer require a separate tax number, as their Corporate Affairs Commission registration number will function as their tax identifier.

The clarification was provided as part of efforts to prepare the public for the implementation of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, which is scheduled to take effect from January 2026. The legislation mandates the use of a unified Tax ID for specific transactions across the country.

The FIRS stated that the new system is designed to streamline taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication across federal and state tax databases, block avenues for tax evasion, and promote fairness by ensuring that all eligible income earners contribute appropriately.

The agency further explained that the reform consolidates all previously issued tax identification numbers into a single, unified identifier, noting that individuals and companies will not be issued physical cards, as the Tax ID is digitally linked to their existing identity records.

The revenue service urged Nigerians to ignore misleading information surrounding the reform and reassured the public that the new tax structure is aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the nation’s tax administration system.