TIN Mandatory For Bank Accounts From January 2026
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In a bold move to modernise Nigeria’s tax system and widen the tax net, the Federal Government has introduced one of the most significant changes to everyday banking in recent years. Effective January 1, 2026, every taxable individual and business in Nigeria must have a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) to open, operate, or maintain a bank account.
This policy, rooted in the newly enacted Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2025, has sparked widespread discussion, questions, and even some anxiety among millions of Nigerians. In this detailed blog article, we break down the announcement, explain what a TIN is, who needs one, how to get it, and what happens if you don’t comply.
The Announcement: What Exactly Did the Government Say?
The news broke through statements by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, and was later confirmed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Joint Tax Board (JTB).
Key points from the announcement:
From January 1, 2026, banks are required to verify that every account holder has a valid TIN.
Without a TIN, taxable persons may face restrictions on account operations, potentially including the inability to withdraw funds, transfer money, or even maintain an active account.
The rule applies to all taxable individuals (those earning income subject to tax) and all taxable entities (companies, partnerships, NGOs, etc.).
Exemptions exist for students, dependents, and individuals with no taxable income (e.g., retirees with only pension income or housewives with no personal earnings).
The goal, according to the government, is to create a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive tax system without necessarily increasing tax rates. By linking TINs directly to bank accounts, the authorities aim to reduce tax evasion, improve compliance, and ultimately generate more revenue for national development.
What Is a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?
A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or state tax authorities for tax purposes.
Format: 10 digits for individuals, 13 digits for companies/organisations.
Purpose: It tracks your tax obligations, similar to how BVN tracks banking or NIN tracks national identity.
Who issues it? The FIRS for federal taxes and the Joint Tax Board (JTB) for harmonisation across states.
Cost: Completely free.
Linkage: TINs are now linked to BVN, NIN, and CAC registration numbers for seamless verification.
In short, the TIN is Nigeria’s version of a Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number in other countries, except it’s now becoming mandatory for banking.
Who Must Have a TIN Starting January 2026?
Category | Must Have TIN? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Salaried employees | Yes | Your employer deducts PAYE; TIN is required for accurate reporting. |
Self-employed professionals | Yes | Doctors, lawyers, consultants, traders, etc. |
Business owners & companies | Yes | Mandatory for company registration and tax filing. |
Freelancers earning above the threshold | Yes | If income exceeds the tax-free threshold. |
Students | No | Unless they have taxable income. |
Dependents (housewives, minors) | No | If they have no personal income. |
Retirees living on a pension only | No | Pension income is often tax-exempt. |
How to Get or Verify Your TIN (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Check if You Already Have One
Most Nigerians who have filed taxes, registered a business, or worked in the formal sector already have a TIN.
Visit the official JTB TIN Verification Portal: https://tinverification.jtb.gov.ng/
Or the FIRS portal: https://apps.firs.gov.ng/tinverification/
Enter your BVN, NIN, or phone number to check.
Step 2: Apply for a New TIN (Free and Mostly Online)
For Individuals
Go to https://tin.jtb.gov.ng/ or https://jtb.gov.ng/apply-for-tin/
Select “Individual” and provide:
Full name
BVN or NIN
Date of birth
Phone number and email
Submit and receive your TIN instantly or within a few days via email.
For Businesses/Companies
Use the same portal and select “Organisation.”
Provide CAC registration number, company name, address, and director details.
The TIN is usually issued within 24–48 hours.
Alternative (Physical)
Visit any FIRS office or JTB office with:
Valid ID (NIN slip, passport, driver’s licence)
BVN printout
Passport photograph (for individuals)
What Happens If You Don’t Have a TIN by January 1, 2026?
The government has not yet published the exact enforcement mechanism, but possibilities include:
Banks flagging or freezing accounts until a TIN is provided.
Restrictions on transfers, withdrawals, or debit/credit card usage.
Potential penalties for non-compliance under the NTAA.
However, officials have repeatedly said the process is simple and free, and there will be a grace period for registration. The emphasis is on education and compliance, not punishment.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
This reform is part of a broader 2025 tax overhaul that includes:
The Nigeria Revenue Service Act
The Joint Revenue Board Act
The Nigeria Tax Administration Act
Together, these laws aim to:
Reduce multiple taxation across states
Digitise tax filing and payments
Increase transparency
Expand the tax base without raising rates
Experts estimate that only about 10–15 million Nigerians currently file taxes out of a population of over 220 million. Linking TINs to bank accounts is a powerful tool to bring more people into the formal tax system.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Will my account be frozen automatically on January 1?
A: Not immediately. Banks will likely give a window to update your TIN.
Q: I already have a TIN from my job—do I need a new one?
A: No. One TIN is enough for life.
Q: Is the TIN the same as my NIN or BVN?
A: No, but it is linked to them for easy verification.
Q: What if I don’t earn enough to pay tax?
A: You still need a TIN if you have a bank account and are of taxable age, but you may pay zero tax.
Final Advice
Don’t wait until December 31, 2025. Take 10 minutes today to verify or apply for your TIN. The process is free, quick, and can be done entirely online.
Official resources:
JTB TIN Application: https://tin.jtb.gov.ng/
FIRS Website: https://firs.gov.ng/
TIN Verification: https://tinverification.jtb.gov.ng/
By getting your TIN now, you’ll avoid any last-minute stress and ensure uninterrupted access to your bank accounts in 2026.
Nigeria is moving toward a more digital, transparent, and efficient tax system. This new rule is a big step in that direction. Make sure you’re ready for it.