NRS makes tax ID mandatory for Nigerians: How to get your new 13-digit taxpayer ID easily

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), in partnership with the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), has officially launched a unified Taxpayer Identification (Tax ID) system for all taxable persons in Nigeria as part of sweeping reforms aimed at modernising the country’s tax administration system.

The new initiative, announced on Monday, introduces a single nationwide tax identification structure designed to simplify tax compliance, improve transparency, and strengthen revenue collection across federal and state tax authorities.

According to the NRS, the reform is backed by Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, making it mandatory for all taxable persons to possess a Tax ID.

The announcement has generated significant interest nationwide, particularly among workers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and bank account holders seeking clarity on how to obtain the new 13-digit taxpayer identification number.

What Is the New NRS Tax ID?

The newly introduced Tax ID serves as a unified identification number for taxpayers across Nigeria.

Under the updated framework, the NRS explained that the system will replace the previous Tax Identification Number (TIN) structure currently used by Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), banks, and financial institutions.

Authorities say the new system will help consolidate taxpayer records, eliminate duplication, and harmonise tax information across all levels of government.

The NRS stated that the initiative is also expected to simplify tax registration, filing, and payment processes while reducing revenue leakages within the system.

How Nigerians Can Get Their Tax ID

One of the biggest questions Nigerians are asking is how to obtain the new mandatory Tax ID.

According to the NRS and JRB, most Nigerians will not need to register afresh because the system automatically integrates existing national identity data.

For Individuals

For individuals, the National Identification Number (NIN) will automatically become the foundation for generating the new Tax ID.

This means Nigerians who already possess a valid NIN can retrieve their Tax ID through the dedicated online portal expected to be managed by the revenue authorities.

For Businesses and Companies

Registered businesses and corporate entities will use their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration numbers as the basis for generating their Tax IDs.

The authorities also advised organisations seeking integration and validation services to contact the JRB’s Standardisation and Modernisation Department or the NRS Tax Automation Department.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Retrieve Your NRS Tax ID

Although the agencies are yet to release extensive public tutorials, the process is expected to follow these basic steps:

1. Visit the official NRS or JRB Tax ID portal
2. Select individual or business verification
3. Enter your NIN or CAC registration number
4. Verify your identity details
5. Generate or retrieve your 13-digit Tax ID
6. Download or save your taxpayer identification details

Tax officials noted that the process is designed to reduce stress and eliminate multiple registrations.

Is the NRS Tax ID Mandatory?

Yes. The NRS confirmed that the Tax ID is now mandatory for all taxable persons in Nigeria.

The new identifier will be required for various financial and official transactions, including:

• Operating certain bank-related services
• Accessing financial services
• Government-related transactions
• Tax filing and payment
• Business operations and compliance
• Securing government contracts

However, the agency clarified that there will be no immediate sanctions, penalties, or automatic deductions for persons who have not yet complied.

Who Is Exempted From the Tax ID Requirement?

The NRS stated that some categories of Nigerians are exempted from the mandatory Tax ID requirement.

These include:

• Students without taxable income
• Dependants
• Other non-taxable individuals recognised under Nigerian tax laws

The clarification was issued to address growing public concerns that all Nigerians, regardless of income status, would be compelled to pay taxes immediately.

Why the Federal Government Introduced the New Tax ID

The implementation of the Tax ID system follows the restructuring of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) earlier in 2026.

Officials say the reforms are part of broader fiscal changes aimed at building a fully digital tax ecosystem in Nigeria.

According to the agencies, the goals include:

• Improving transparency in tax collection
• Enhancing accountability
• Boosting government revenue generation
• Strengthening digital tax administration
• Reducing duplication of taxpayer records
• Simplifying compliance for Nigerians

Economic analysts believe the reform could significantly improve tax administration efficiency if properly implemented nationwide.

FAQ: NRS Mandatory Tax ID in Nigeria

What is the new NRS Tax ID?

The NRS Tax ID is a new unified taxpayer identification system introduced by the Nigeria Revenue Service and Joint Revenue Board for all taxable persons in Nigeria.

Is Tax ID now mandatory in Nigeria?

Yes. The Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 makes Tax ID compulsory for all taxable persons in the country.

How do I get my NRS Tax ID?

Individuals can retrieve their Tax ID using their National Identification Number (NIN), while businesses can use their CAC registration numbers through the official NRS/JRB portal.

Do I need to register again if I already have NIN?

No. The NRS stated that most Nigerians will not need fresh registration because the Tax ID system automatically integrates NIN records.

Can businesses use CAC numbers for Tax ID?

Yes. Registered companies and enterprises will use their CAC registration numbers as the basis for generating their Tax IDs.

What will the Tax ID be used for?

The Tax ID may be required for:

• Tax filing and payment
• Banking transactions
• Government contracts
• Financial services
• Business compliance

Will Nigerians without Tax ID be fined immediately?

No. The NRS clarified that there will be no immediate sanctions or automatic deductions for non-compliance at this stage.

Is the new Tax ID different from TIN?

Yes. The new Tax ID replaces the older TIN framework and serves as a unified taxpayer identity across federal and state tax systems.

How many digits is the new Tax ID?

The agencies stated that the new taxpayer identifier will contain 13 digits.

Are students required to get Tax ID?

Non-taxable individuals such as students and dependants are exempted from the mandatory Tax ID requirement.

Can I retrieve my Tax ID online?

Yes. The NRS said taxpayers will be able to retrieve their Tax IDs through a dedicated online portal.

Why did Nigeria introduce the new Tax ID system?

The reform is aimed at improving transparency, reducing revenue leakages, harmonising taxpayer records, and modernising Nigeria’s digital tax administration system.

Is NIN now linked to taxation in Nigeria?

Yes. The NRS confirmed that NIN will form the basis for generating Tax IDs for individuals.

Will the Tax ID affect bank accounts?

The Tax ID may become necessary for certain banking and financial transactions involving taxable persons.

Is the Tax ID linked to the new tax reforms in Nigeria?

Yes. The initiative is part of broader fiscal and tax reforms introduced after the restructuring of FIRS into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).