How to get TIN number in Nigeria?
A Tax Identification Number is one of the essential documents of a Nigerian citizen. But how do you get TIN number in Nigeria? Whether you want to obtain a TIN for yourself or your company, we’ve prepared a step by step guide, explaining all the details of this process. If you want to find out more, continue reading below!
TIN number in Nigeria
TIN is a one-of-a-kind number that serves as an identification tool. It records and contains all the tax payment information of a particular person or business. Every citizen of Nigeria, as well as any company, is required to have a TIN. In order to be eligible for a tax identification number, you have to be receiving revenue within the territory of Nigeria.
Interesting fact: Another reason to get a TIN is that this way you are sure to avoid double taxation in another country. When registered, your taxpayer information is globally available.
There are several places where you can apply for your TIN. These include the Registrar General’s Department, the Domestic Tax Revenue Office or a Custom Division Office.
If you would like to know what information you have to provide during the registration process, here’s a short checklist. Make sure you don’t miss anything:
- Full legal name;
- Certified copy of your birth certificate;
- Valid Identification document;
- Proof of Citizenship;
- Current residential address;
- Current occupation or position;
- Primary e-mail address;
- Mobile phone number;
- Passport-sized photo if you are currently unemployed.
Now let’s talk about the process of obtaining a valid TIN number in Nigeria. The registration process is pretty straightforward, and what’s even better is that it doesn’t have any fees attached to it. Some people hire third-party lawyers to complete this task, but it’s really unnecessary. All you need to do is to follow these simple steps:
- Go to your local (or preferred) FIRS office;
- Ask for all the necessary forms used in the application process;
- Fill in all the blanks and checkboxes that are provided in the form;
- Return the filled-in form to the tax office and show them a valid identification document (this may be an international passport, a bill or even a driver’s license);
- Submit your biometrical data, which includes your passport and fingerprints.
Side note: The tax identification number is valid for ten years.
After all of the information above has been checked by the tax office employees, you will be issued your TIN. Usually, you can receive it on the same day you’ve applied. However, it was reported that a lot of FIRS offices have a problem with backlogs. Due to this factor, the registration procedure can last for a week, sometimes even longer.
Once you’ve read this information, you may find yourself wanting to shorten the process of getting a TIN. Thus, a question arises – How to obtain a TIN number online? Well, the sad answer is – you can’t. At the moment, the FIRS doesn’t allow people to complete this process on the web.
How to obtain TIN number for your company
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If you’re reading this article to find out how to register a TIN for your business, you’re going to want to learn even more details. Some companies try to avoid this process, as they want to keep all the revenues to themselves. We highly advise you not to do that. First of all, it’s illegal to lead a business without paying taxes to the country. If you get caught committing this offense, it will deal a severe blow to your company, and can even lead to bankruptcy. The second reason is that you have to wield a valid TIN in order to conduct business operations on an international level.
Now let’s talk about what you need to begin the registration process. Go to your local FIRS office (you can find the whole list on their website) with the following documents:
- Memorandum & Articles of Association;
- CAC2 and CAC7;
- Company Seal;
- Utility bill;
- Application letter on company-branded paper;
- Correctly-filled Tax Identification Number application form.
Tip: You need to have both the originals of these documents and two copies to be left at the FIRS office.
Same as with obtaining a personal TIN, the process is free and should be completed within a week. After you’ve registered for TIN, you now have the obligation to send VAT and tax returns every month.
TIN number verification in Nigeria
Now that we’ve finished the guide to getting a TIN let’s talk about the verification process. First, you have to visit the FIRS official website.
Next, you have three options for verifying your TIN.
- You can select the Tax Identification Number in the search window. Now input your personal number, fill in the captcha box and press the search button.
- You can choose the CAC Registration Number in the search box. Enter both your CAC figure and captcha.
- You can choose the Phone Number option and type in your number and captcha.
Now you know how to obtain and verify your TIN in Nigeria. Be sure to share this information with your friends and colleagues. Remember that tax payment is everyone’s duty. If you are performing business activities in Nigeria, you are obligated to get a TIN.
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Source: Legit.ng
