'No Separate Tax ID Needed' - FIRS Unifies Identification System

‘No Separate Tax ID Needed’ – FIRS Unifies Identification System.
Registered companies will use CAC numbers as tax identifiers.
The policy begins with the Nigeria Tax Administration Act in 2026.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has clarified that the National Identification Number issued by the National Identity Management Commission now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number for individual Nigerians.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the clarification follows public concerns over provisions in the new tax laws that require a Tax ID for certain transactions, including the operation and ownership of bank accounts.

In a statement shared on its official X platform, the FIRS explained that Nigerians do not need to apply separately for a Tax Identification Number under the new system. According to the agency, the reform is aimed at simplifying tax administration and easing compliance for taxpayers.

The FIRS further disclosed that registered businesses will also no longer require a separate Tax ID. Instead, the Corporate Affairs Commission registration number will serve as the official tax identifier for companies under the new framework.

Explaining the policy, the agency said the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, scheduled to take effect from January 2026, mandates the use of a unified Tax ID for specific financial and commercial transactions.

The service noted that the reform is designed to reduce duplication, close loopholes that enable tax evasion, and promote fairness by ensuring that all individuals and businesses earning taxable income contribute appropriately.

“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the statement said.

“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. There is no need for a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number directly linked to your identity.”

The FIRS urged Nigerians to disregard misinformation surrounding the new tax framework and assured the public that the reforms are intended to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in tax administration across the country.