How to Get Your Nigerian Tax ID Before the January 2026 Banking Deadline
If you own a bank account in Nigeria, you’ll soon need a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to continue using it. Starting January 1, 2026, banks and other financial institutions will only serve customers who provide a valid Tax ID, as mandated by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025.
This reform marks one of the most significant shifts in Nigeria’s financial system in recent years. It is designed to improve tax compliance, expand the country’s non-oil revenue base, and promote greater transparency in the financial sector.
While the deadline may seem distant, securing your Tax ID now is essential to avoid disruptions in accessing banking, insurance, and investment services. The good news? The process is simple, free, and in many cases, automatic.
Step 1: Check If You Already Have a Tax ID
Many Nigerians already have a Tax ID generated automatically from their Bank Verification Number (BVN) or National Identification Number (NIN).
Here’s how to confirm:
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Visit the official Joint Tax Board (JTB) TIN Verification Portal at https://tin.jtb.gov.ng
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Select “Search for TIN”
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Enter your BVN and Date of Birth
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If your TIN exists, it will be displayed immediately
If no record appears, you’ll need to register for one.
Step 2: Register for a New Tax ID
For those without an existing Tax ID, registration can be completed online:
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Go to the JTB TIN Registration Portal at https://tin.jtb.gov.ng
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Select “Register for TIN – Individual”
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Provide your BVN, NIN, and personal details
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Submit the form and follow the instructions
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Once processed, download and print your Tax ID certificate
Registration is completely free of charge. For companies, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will serve as their unique Tax ID.
Why the Tax ID Requirement Matters
The Tax Administration Act goes far beyond banking. Section 8(2) mandates that “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 means you will need a TIN not just for bank accounts, but also to:
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Operate insurance policies
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Trade in the stock market
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Access loans, credit, or mortgage facilities
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Register investments and other financial services
The law also applies to non-residents. Under Section 6(1), foreign individuals or companies earning income in Nigeria or providing taxable services must register for a TIN.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to secure a Tax ID before January 2026 could result in:
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Suspension or freezing of your bank account
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Inability to access loans, pensions, or investments
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Restrictions on insurance and brokerage accounts
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Potential sanctions under tax regulations
To ensure full coverage, Section 7(3) empowers tax authorities to automatically assign TINs to those who fail to register voluntarily. However, this may delay access to financial services, so registering early is strongly advised.
Expert Clarifications
To ease public anxiety, Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, explained that the policy is not entirely new but rather an enforcement of existing tax rules first introduced in the Finance Act of 2019.
Key clarifications include:
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Your NIN (for individuals) and CAC number (for companies) will serve as unique Tax IDs going forward
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The reform will not unfairly burden low-income citizens who are outside the tax bracket
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The goal is fairness: ensuring that everyone who earns taxable income contributes their share, while strengthening Nigeria’s tax system
As Oyedele put it: “This is about broadening the tax net, improving fairness, and ensuring Nigeria can fund essential services without overburdening the few who currently pay tax.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is getting a Tax Identification Number (TIN) free in Nigeria?
Yes. The process is completely free. You can apply online via the JTB portal or verify if one has already been assigned to you.
2. Can I get a Tax ID without BVN?
While BVN is the primary identifier, individuals can also register using their NIN. For companies, the CAC registration number serves as the Tax ID.
3. What happens if I don’t get a Tax ID before January 2026?
Your bank account could be restricted or frozen. You may also be unable to access loans, investments, pensions, and insurance services.
4. Do students or unemployed Nigerians need a Tax ID?
Yes. Every bank account holder must have a TIN, regardless of income status. However, only those earning taxable income will be liable to pay tax.
5. Will my NIN automatically become my TIN?
Yes. According to government reforms, your NIN will serve as your TIN for individuals, while CAC numbers will serve for companies.
