The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dismissed reports claiming that Nigerians will be required to obtain new physical tax identity cards under the country’s revised tax framework.
Titansloaded reports that the clarification follows widespread public confusion triggered by misinformation surrounding the implementation of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), one of the key tax reform laws recently signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Read Also: FG Clears Air on Alleged Alteration of Tax Laws
According to FIRS, there is no provision in the new law requiring citizens to apply for or carry separate tax identity cards. The agency explained that the National Identification Number (NIN) already serves as the official tax identification number for individuals, while the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number functions as the tax ID for companies.
FIRS noted that the use of NIN and CAC numbers as tax identifiers is not new, having been introduced under the Finance Act of 2019. However, the NTAA has further strengthened the system by harmonising all tax identification processes into a single, unified structure.
The clarification was made by Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, during a public sensitisation broadcast aimed at addressing growing misinformation.
Atoyebi emphasised that Nigerians do not need to apply for any new or physical tax identification document, advising the public to disregard claims suggesting otherwise. She described the reports as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary anxiety.
She explained that the unified tax identity system is designed to eliminate multiple tax numbers issued by different authorities, ensuring that every taxpayer is uniquely identified through their existing personal or corporate records.
FIRS further stated that the reform will improve efficiency in tax administration, reduce duplication, and help close loopholes that enable tax evasion, while also making tax compliance easier and more transparent.
The agency added that the new framework supports fairness in taxation by ensuring that individuals and businesses earning taxable income contribute appropriately, while protecting low-income earners who fall below the taxable threshold.
The clarification comes amid concerns raised by bank customers following directives from some financial institutions requesting account holders to link their accounts with their NIN or tax identification details.
FIRS confirmed that such requests are in line with regulatory compliance measures, noting that all bank accounts are expected to be properly linked to a recognised tax identity number before full implementation by 2026.
The NTAA is one of four major tax reform bills recently signed into law, alongside the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
FIRS reassured Nigerians of its commitment to continuous public education and engagement, stating that awareness campaigns will be intensified to ensure citizens clearly understand the tax reforms and their implications.
The agency urged the public to rely only on verified information from official government channels and reputable media platforms, warning that false reports could undermine public trust and compliance efforts.
