₦airaland Forum

Many Nigerians now need a Tax Identification Number for banking, employment, business registration, and government services. To make the process easier, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) now allows individuals to retrieve their Tax ID using their National Identification Number (NIN).

You can obtain your Tax ID in Nigeria online by using your NIN through the official FIRS Tax ID portal. The process is free, fully online, and takes only a few minutes if your details are correct.

What Is a Tax Identification Number (Tax ID)?

A Tax Identification Number, often called Tax ID or TIN, is a unique number issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service. It is used to track tax records for individuals and businesses.

For individuals, a Tax ID is required for:

• Opening certain bank accounts.
• Government programs and grants.
• Employment documentation.
• Business and professional transactions.

With the integration of NIN into government systems, retrieving a Tax ID has become easier.

Who Can Use the NIN Method to Get a Tax ID?

The NIN-based Tax ID retrieval is for individuals who:

• Are Nigerian citizens or legal residents.
• Have a valid and active NIN.
• Have personal details that match NIN records.

You do not need to own a registered business to use this method.

Requirements Before You Start

Before visiting the portal, make sure you have:

• Your 11-digit National Identification Number.
• Correct spelling of your first and last name.
• Your date of birth as registered with NIMC.
• Internet access on your phone or computer.

Your details must match exactly with your NIN records.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain Your Tax ID Using NIN

Follow the steps below carefully:

Step 1: Visit the Official Tax ID Portal

Go to the official FIRS Tax ID website:
https://taxid.firs.gov.ng/

Step 2: Select “Individual”

On the homepage, click on Individual to continue.

Step 3: Choose NIN as Your Retrieval Method

From the Tax ID Retrieval Method dropdown menu, select NIN.

Enter your 11-digit NIN in the field provided.

Step 4: Click “Retrieve Tax ID”

After entering your NIN, click Retrieve Tax ID.

A pop-up box will appear requesting additional details.

Step 5: Enter Your Personal Details

Provide the following information exactly as registered:

• First name
• Last name
• Date of birth

Tick the checkbox to give consent for identity verification.

Step 6: Submit Your Request

Click Submit to complete the process.

Step 7: View Your Tax ID

If your information matches FIRS records, a confirmation message will appear.

Your Tax ID will be displayed on the screen.

You can copy or save the number for future use.

What to Do If Your Tax ID Does Not Show

If your Tax ID does not appear, possible reasons include:

• Name mismatch between NIN and FIRS records.
• Incorrect date of birth.
• NIN not properly synced with tax records.

In such cases, you may need to contact FIRS support or visit a tax office for assistance.

Why This Process Matters for Small Business Owners

For MSMEs, having a Tax ID helps with:

• Accessing government loans and grants.
• Registering businesses and corporate accounts.
•Participating in official programs and tenders.

Many federal programs now require a valid Tax ID as part of eligibility checks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is getting a Tax ID with NIN free?

Yes. Retrieving your Tax ID using your NIN on the FIRS portal is completely free. You do not need to pay any fee or use an agent.

How long does it take to get a Tax ID using NIN?

The process usually takes a few minutes. Once your NIN details are verified, your Tax ID will appear instantly on the screen.

Can I use this method if I do not have a business?

Yes. This method is for individuals. You do not need a registered business name or company to obtain a Tax ID using your NIN.

What should I do if my details do not match?

If your details do not match, confirm that your name and date of birth are exactly the same as those on your NIN record. If the issue continues, contact FIRS support or visit a tax office for assistance.

Is the Tax ID the same as TIN?

Yes. Tax ID and Tax Identification Number are often used to mean the same thing in Nigeria. Both refer to the unique number issued by FIRS.

Can I retrieve my Tax ID on my phone?

Yes. The FIRS Tax ID portal works on mobile phones and computers. You only need a stable internet connection.

Why do I need a Tax ID in Nigeria?

A Tax ID is required for many official activities, including government grants, loans, business registration, banking services, and employment-related documentation.

Source: https://msmeafricaonline.com/how-to-obtain-your-tax-id-in-nigeria-using-your-nin-a-simple-step-by-step-guide/

Rubbish talk. i will not pay.

FreeIgboho:
Pay what? It's just an ID.
Stupid Tinubu government should have used a different name, like "benefits ID"

I will not pay TAX. My income is not from Nigeria. I am already paying tax to the US govt.

I wish this wicked government would give 10 percent the attention they are giving to tax Nigerians, to fix actual societal problems.

Omo oniles have been harassing my workers on my project site. I guess UK and US residents settle omo oniles after paying 25 percent in income tax.

We still contribute money to fix blown up power transformer, despite paying our bills.

We still need to 'mobilise' the Nigerian police after reporting a crime.

We still produce and treat our water.

Even paid government services like passport and driver's licence renewals are painfully slow and inefficient.

Is this how countries that tax citizens up to 25 percent operate?

Here is an interesting fact

If you earn the equivalent of $20,000 annually which translates to ₦30m in China, your income tax rate is about 4 percent. While same income bracket attracts 23 percent rate in Nigeria. Imagine China that has invested most of its wealth back into its people having a tax rate lower than Nigeria.

Milk and dry them, pay tax till they suffocate, PBAT really do this one, chai, subsidy gone, Tax coming

Is a nice something for the country

I rather waste my money on OS
Tham pay tax so politicians can flex my money

No Sir!!!

Make I come the fund one yeye senator lifestyle with my hard earned money. God forbid

The wahala wey this tax law go bring upon this country,I hope Tinubu no go run las las cha.

Wetin concerns me with tax ID, the last time I sold my shares, they collect tax ,if I fixed money, they will remove tax, even locked fund are being taxed,even the cloths and foods we eat are being tax before consumption, it shall never be well with this government ok.. every individual already paying tax from consumption unknowingly...value added tax ..that's not enough, they still want to suffocate us

Everyone that invested money are always being taxed, shop owner pays levies..even if you buy anything, you get tax even indirectly and you cannot be rich without investing so you get tax on every interest,even the poor are tax already but indirectly

I have heard more information about tax than I have heard about antiterrorism from this wicked government.

A take, take, take government.

Tinubu and tax are 5 and 6. That man too like tax

This is helpful. Hope the firs website won't crash sha with the potential traffic

So I qo PASS THROUGH ALL THIS STRESS BCOSE OF TAX ID wey dem wor debit me for..... Federal qovt dey mad

Didn't they say your in will be your tax id.
I applied since early December and nothing has happened, only given a tracking number

Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax Tax...
Don't you crave for for Jollof & Cavier Fish?


In 2024, I stopped chasing money and started building skills.
One of my students bought her first car at 19 doing the same.
If you’re ready to lock in, check my signature to connect

I always thought NIN was already a tax ID. Knowing Nigerians, every human being in this page who’ll claim not to apply will be the first set of people to visit the page. I will not be caught with my pants down this time. NIN, SIM registration and BVN showed me not to trust bingos.

Gotten it. Government no fit frustrate me. They will obviously set a deadline soon. I’m ready.

Nonsense

Don't use alternate accounts to access Nairaland after being banned. If you do, make sure we don't find out.

saphiere:
Rubbish talk. i will not pay.

Pay what? It's just an ID.
Stupid Tinubu government should have used a different name, like "benefits ID"

MrPresident1:
Is a nice something for the country

Are you a bot?

Xxxxxxxxxx

saphiere:
Rubbish talk. i will not pay.
I will not pay TAX. My income is not from Nigeria. I am already paying tax to the US govt.

Then you will be jail for not complying with simple rules

I tried it the other day, it was going through.

Let me give it a try again

So what will the money be used for?

saphiere:
Rubbish talk. i will not pay.
I will not pay TAX. My income is not from Nigeria. I am already paying tax to the US govt.

But you must pay US if you lived in Nigeria. Not fair

BVN
NIN
Tax Id
These 'Unique ' Ids are becoming too many. Govt needs to harmonise them

Pls I am a retiree and I have a small enterprise with TIN ,do I still need to have a personal TIN? Because I know that retirees are not taxed on their salaries .

Tinubu, please Tax us very well, infact, I want you to increase the Tax, we are ready to pay. We the mob that voted you will understand what you meant about eating Agbado.

This is a great initiative by the FIRS.

I'm

abhosts:
I wish this wicked government would give 10 percent the attention they are giving to tax Nigerians, to fix actual societal problems.

Omo oniles have been harassing my workers on my project site. I guess UK and US residents settle omo oniles after paying 25 percent in income tax.

We still contribute money to fix blown up power transformer, despite paying our bills.

We still need to "mobilise" the Nigerian police after reporting a crime.

We still produce and treat our water.

Even paid government services like passport and driver's licence renewals are painfully slow and inefficient.

Is this how countries that tax citizens up to 25 percent operate?

The list is unending and heart breaking. May God save us

Good.

This government na really online government oo