For years, Nigerians experienced slow and stressful processes when obtaining a Tax ID (Tax Identification Number).
As a result, many people feared tax compliance would become more complicated.
However, that experience is now changing.
A Simpler Tax ID System
Starting from January 1, 2026, Nigeria will introduce a new Tax ID system.
Specifically, the Joint Revenue Board and Nigerian Revenue Services have announced the launch of the Nigerian Tax ID Portal.
Through this portal, the agencies aim to simplify tax identification for individuals and businesses.
Consequently, Nigerians will no longer apply separately for a Tax ID.
Instead, individuals will retrieve their Tax ID using their National Identification Number.
Likewise, businesses will retrieve theirs using a Corporate Affairs Commission registration number.
Importantly, this step confirms an earlier decision by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Under that decision, the NIN issued by NIMC now serves as a Tax ID for individuals.
Similarly, CAC registration numbers serve the same purpose for registered businesses.
As a result, the change removes fears of another registration process.
People can now open bank accounts without additional tax paperwork.
At the same time, authorities now link existing identity records directly to tax administration.
A Tax Identification Number remains a unique system-generated number.
Authorities use it to manage and track taxable persons in Nigeria.
How To Retrieve Your Tax ID
- To retrieve a Tax ID, individuals first visit the tax portal website.
- Next, they select the individual option on the homepage.
- Then, they choose National Identification Number as the retrieval method.
- After that, they enter their 11-digit NIN and click retrieve Tax ID.
- They then enter their first name, last name, and date of birth.
- Importantly, these details must match NIMC records exactly.
- Once completed, they click continue.
- Immediately, the system displays the 13-digit Tax ID.
Business Tax ID Retrieval
Read Also: FG Insists on January 1, 2026 Rollout Of New Tax Reform Laws
Businesses follow a similar process through the portal.
- First, they click the corporate option on the homepage.
- Next, they select the appropriate organisation type.
- Then, they enter their CAC registration number and click retrieve Tax ID.
- The system displays the 13-digit Tax ID.
Beyond convenience, the portal supports wider tax reforms under the Tinubu administration.
So far, lawmakers have passed four tax reform laws.
While two took effect in June 2025, the remaining two will begin on January 1, 2026.
Although the reforms have generated public debate, implementation will proceed as planned.
Taiwo Oyedele confirmed this position.
He chairs the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
According to Oyedele, the reforms will reduce tax burdens nationwide.
Under the new framework, about 98% of workers will pay lower PAYE tax or none at all.
In addition, around 97% of small businesses will become fully tax-exempt.
Large companies will also benefit from reduced tax liabilities.
Overall, the reforms seek to boost economic growth and inclusion.
They also aim to support shared prosperity.
Notably, the bills spent nine months at the National Assembly, which allowed early preparation before approval.
Since lawmakers signed the laws, the government has focused on readiness.
As part of this effort, authorities have invested in training, system upgrades, and public awareness.
