Key Takeaways

1. A Tax Identification Number (TIN) was issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) before 2026.

2. A Tax ID is the new 13-digit tax number issued by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) from January 2026, derived from your NIN (individuals) or RC number (companies).

3. Banks and government agencies now require the new Tax ID only. You can retrieve it instantly via the Nigerian Tax ID Portal using your NIN or RC.

 

Introduction 

If you’re opening a bank account, registering a business, or trying to comply with Nigerian tax laws, you’ve probably been asked for a tax identification number. Then someone else says “Tax ID,” and suddenly it feels confusing.

Are they the same?

Are they different?

Does it matter which one you provide? It absolutely matters now.

Here’s the clear 2026 explanation

Read Also: Banks and Regulated Business can Verify Tax ID with Youverify.

What Is a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) was the tax number previously issued by FIRS under the old tax system.

It was used to:

1. Track tax payments
2. Identify taxpayers
3. Enforce tax compliance
4. Link businesses to financial records

 

If you operate a registered business under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), your TIN is typically generated automatically after registration.

What Is a Tax ID?

A Tax ID is the new unified tax number issued by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) starting January 2026.

Here’s how it works now:

1. Individuals: Your Tax ID is generated from your NIN
2. Companies/Businesses/NGOs: Your Tax ID is derived from your RC number
3. The number format is standardized as 13 digits

TIN vs. Tax ID: Quick Comparison

Is Taxpayer ID the Same as TIN?

No, not anymore.

Before 2026, people used “Taxpayer ID,” “TIN,” and “Tax ID” interchangeably.

Now:

1. Taxpayer ID = New NRS Tax ID
2. TIN = Legacy system (old number)
 

If a bank form says:

1. Taxpayer ID → They mean the new NRS Tax ID
2. Tax ID → Definitely the new one
3. TIN → Clarify, but most institutions now mean the new Tax ID

Why Is a Tax ID Important in Nigeria?

A tax ID is required for:

1. Opening corporate bank accounts
2. Applying for government contracts
3. Paying VAT or Company Income Tax
4. Import/export licensing
5. Tax clearance certificates

 

Tax ID Requirement for Bank Accounts in Nigeria

Banks no longer require a separately generated TIN.

Instead:

1. Personal accounts: Your NIN is used
2. Company accounts: Your RC number is used
 

Behind the scenes, the system maps it to your tax ID automatically. If your NIN or RC is valid, your Tax ID exists.
 

How to Get TIN Number in Nigeria

You do not generate a new TIN anymore. Instead, you retrieve your Tax ID.

For Companies (Automatic)

1. Your RC number = your Tax ID
2. Visit the Nigerian Tax ID Portal
3. Enter your RC details
4. Confirm your 13-digit Tax ID

 

For Individuals (Online)

1. Go to the official NRS Tax ID portal
2. Enter your NIN
3. Input your date of birth and registered phone number
4. Your 13-digit Tax ID appears instantly

It is free.

Where to Find Your Tax ID Number

You can find your TIN:

1. On your CAC documents
2. On tax clearance certificates
3. On NRS registration emails
4. By checking the Nigerian Tax ID Portal
5. At your local NRS office

If lost, you can retrieve it online using your registered details.

Common Mistakes People Make

1. Assuming getting your tax ID costs money (it’s free)
2. Registering multiple TINs (not allowed)
3. Using outdated portals
4. Confusing CAC number with old TIN


 

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between TIN and Tax ID is important, and verifying the authenticity of tax IDs submitted by customers, vendors, or business partners is a different challenge entirely. Financial institutions and regulated businesses must go beyond collection; they must ensure accuracy, validity, and real-time verification to remain compliant.

This is where Youverify plays a critical role.

Youverify empowers organizations to detect, investigate, and mitigate fraud while ensuring regulatory compliance. By unifying compliance teams, fraud analysts, and IT departments on a single platform, Youverify streamlines investigations and enhances decision-making without the need for standalone cybersecurity or MFA systems.

For banks, fintechs, and regulated institutions required to validate tax identification data at scale, verification is no longer optional; it is a compliance necessity. To get started, book a demo today.