- NIN becomes Tax ID for all individual taxpayers from 2026
- CAC registration numbers replace Tax ID for registered companies
- No new registration required, existing IDs remain valid
- Reform aims to simplify tax compliance and reduce duplication
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed that starting from January 2026, Nigerians will no longer need a separate Tax Identification Number (TIN), as the National Identification Number (NIN) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) numbers will now serve as the country’s official tax identification system.
The clarification follows growing public concern over new tax provisions and fears that citizens would be forced to register for an additional identification number to meet tax obligations.
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In a statement issued on Monday, FIRS explained that the change is part of ongoing reforms to modernise Nigeria’s tax administration and make compliance easier for individuals and businesses.
According to the agency, every Nigerian’s NIN, issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), now automatically functions as their Tax ID. This means individuals do not need to apply for, print, or carry a separate tax card.
FIRS also confirmed that for businesses, the CAC registration (RC) number will serve as the official tax identifier, eliminating the need for a separate Tax Identification Number.
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Addressing public confusion, the Service noted that the requirement for a Tax ID is not new. It explained that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, scheduled to take effect in January 2026, only strengthens a framework already introduced under the Finance Act of 2019.
“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, the CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card,” FIRS stated.
The agency added that the unified system brings together all tax identifiers previously issued by FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single, reliable database.
According to FIRS, the reform is designed to reduce duplication across government records, improve transparency, and help track taxable income more effectively, while also making it easier for compliant taxpayers to meet their obligations.
The Service urged Nigerians to ignore misleading claims suggesting the policy introduces new burdens, stressing that the goal is efficiency, accountability, and fairness in tax administration.
