Tax ID no longer stands as a separate number Nigerians must chase.
Instead, the Federal Inland Revenue Service says it now comes automatically with the National Identification Number.
On Monday, FIRS shared the clarification in a public awareness post on X, aiming to calm rising public concern.
One Number, New Role
At the same time, FIRS confirmed that registered businesses will use their Corporate Affairs Commission registration numbers as Tax IDs.
This clarification comes as Nigerians raise questions about new tax laws, especially rules connected to bank account ownership.
According to FIRS, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act will take effect from January 2026.
From then, the law will require the use of Tax ID for specific financial and economic transactions.
Law Strengthened, Not New
However, FIRS stressed that the requirement is not new.
Since the Finance Act 2019, taxpayers have already used Tax Identification Numbers.
The NTAA simply strengthens enforcement and unifies the system.
As part of the reform, FIRS has merged all previous Tax Identification Numbers into one national identifier.
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Therefore, individuals will use their NIN, while companies will rely on their CAC RC numbers.
For individuals, your NIN serves as your Tax ID, FIRS stated.
For companies, the CAC RC number functions as the Tax ID.
What New Tax ID Means For Nigerians
Moreover, FIRS explained that taxpayers do not need a physical card.
Instead, the number links directly to each person’s identity.
As a result, the system simplifies identification, reduces duplication, and limits tax evasion.
In addition, it promotes fairness by ensuring that income earners contribute appropriately.
Anyone with a NIN and taxable income already sits within the tax system.
By October 2025, NIMC had issued NINs to 123.9 million Nigerians.
Meanwhile, Presidential tax reform chairman Taiwo Oyedele addressed public fears.
He explained that only income earners need Tax IDs, while students and dependants remain exempt.
Finally, he noted that businesses have required Tax IDs for bank accounts since 2020.
