How to Get Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria: 2026 Complete Guide

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier issued to taxpayers in Nigeria. Under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025, which took effect this January, the process has been harmonized.

Whether you are an individual or a business owner, having a valid Tax ID is now mandatory for accessing bank accounts, insurance, and government contracts.

The Big 2026 Change: Your NIN is now your Tax ID

Starting January 1, 2026, the Federal Government simplified the system:

• For Individuals: Your National Identification Number (NIN) now automatically serves as your Tax ID.
• For Businesses: Your CAC Registration Number (RC/BN) now serves as your Corporate Tax ID.

Why You Need a Tax ID in 2026

You cannot operate financially in Nigeria without a linked Tax ID. It is required to:

1. Maintain Bank Accounts: Banks are now mandated to freeze accounts not linked to a valid Tax ID.
2. Business Operations: Essential for Filing VAT, WHT, and Company Income Tax.
3. Government Services: Required for tenders, contracts, and Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC).

How to Retrieve or Generate Your Tax ID Online

You no longer need to wait weeks for a physical certificate. The process is now instant and digital via the Nigeria Tax ID Portal.

Option 1: For Individuals (NIN Holders)

1. Visit the official NRS Tax ID Portal.
2. Select the “Individual” tab.
3. Choose “National Identification Number (NIN)” as your retrieval method.
4. Enter your 11-digit NIN and your Date of Birth.
5. Click “Retrieve Tax ID.” Your 13-digit official Tax ID will be displayed instantly.

Option 2: For Registered Businesses (CAC)

1. Visit the NRS Tax ID Portal and select the “Corporate” tab.
2. Select your entity type (Business Name, Company, or Incorporated Trustee).
3. Enter your RC or BN Number (exclude the letters, just use the digits).
4. Click “Retrieve Tax ID.”

Important Things to Note for 2026

• Physical Certificates are Obsolete: Tax authorities no longer issue paper TIN certificates. A screenshot or PDF of your portal verification is your official proof.
• It is 100% Free: Generating or retrieving your Tax ID is a free government service. Do not pay agents for this.
• Automatic Registration: If you have a BVN or NIN but no Tax ID, the system may have automatically assigned you one. Use the portal to check.

Next Steps: Calculate Your Tax Liability

Once you have retrieved your 13-digit Tax ID, the next step is ensuring you are paying the correct amount under the new 2026 laws.

Try it yourself: Use our [2026 Nigeria Tax Calculator] to see your exact take-home pay after the new deductions and rent reliefs are applied.