How to verify your Tax ID before the January 2026 deadline
From January 1, 2026, Nigerians will need a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to operate their bank accounts, in line with the new Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.
This was contained in a frequently asked question and document titled ‘𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐈𝐃 – 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰’, and shared by Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, in September.
The move, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, represents a major shift in the nation’s financial system, extending beyond traditional banking into insurance, stock-broking, and other financial services.
The Joint Tax Board (JTB) has assured citizens that the process of obtaining a Tax ID is straightforward and free. For many, a Tax ID may have already been automatically generated using their Bank Verification Number (BVN) or National Identification Number (NIN).
How to get your Tax ID
The process is designed to be simple and accessible, ensuring you can comply with the new law without a hassle.
Step 1: Verify if you already have a Tax ID
- Visit the official Joint Tax Board (JTB) TIN Verification Portal at https://tin.jtb.gov.ng.
- Select the “Search for TIN” option.
- Enter your BVN and Date of Birth to check if a Tax ID has been automatically assigned to you.
Step 2: Register for a new Tax ID (if you don’t have one)
- If your search on the verification portal does not yield a result, you will need to register for a new Tax ID.
- Go to the JTB TIN Registration Portal by visiting https://tin.jtb.gov.ng/
- Select the “Register for TIN” option for individuals.
- Fill out the required information, including your BVN, NIN, and other personal details.
- Submit the form and follow the instructions to get your Tax ID certificate.
The entire process is free of charge. You can download and print your Tax ID certificate once it is issued. It is highly recommended to complete this process well before the January 2026 deadline to ensure uninterrupted access to your banking and financial services.
Authorities recommend completing the process well ahead of the January 2026 deadline to avoid disruptions to banking and financial services.
What the Law Says
Section 8(2) of the Act makes the requirement explicit: “A person engaged in banking, insurance, stock-broking, or other financial services in Nigeria shall ensure that every taxable person provides a Tax ID.”
This also extends to foreigners. Under Section 6(1), the law states, “A non-resident person that supplies taxable goods or services to any person in Nigeria, or derives income from Nigeria shall register for tax purposes and obtain a Tax ID.”
To ensure full compliance, Section 7(3) empowers tax authorities to automatically assign a Tax ID to individuals or businesses who fail to register voluntarily.
The law also accommodates businesses that suspend operations in Nigeria. According to the Act, “Where a taxable person temporarily ceases to carry on a trade or business in Nigeria, the taxable person shall notify the relevant tax authority of its intention to suspend its registration for tax purposes within 30 days of such temporary cessation of trade or business.”
Clarifications from the Reform Committee
To ease public concern, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, offered reassurances. Writing on his official X page (formerly Twitter), he explained that the new law is not an entirely new policy but rather a stronger enforcement of rules that date back to the Finance Act of 2019.
Oyedele emphasised that compliance would ultimately be streamlined. “To simplify the process, your NIN (for individuals) and CAC registration number (for companies) will ultimately serve as your Tax ID,” he said.
He added that the reforms are designed to “ensure fairness so that everyone who earns taxable income contributes their share while protecting low-income citizens who are not taxable.”
Implications for Nigerians
Failure to obtain a Tax ID could mean losing access to basic financial services, including operating a bank account, taking up insurance policies, or engaging in stock market investments. Sanctions are expected for non-compliance.
With the January 2026 deadline looming, experts are urging Nigerians to act early. By verifying or registering now, individuals can ensure uninterrupted access to financial services when the new tax rules take effect.
