BREAKING: FIRS clarifies Tax ID framework, says Nigerians can open bank accounts without TIN

Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has clarified that Nigerians do not require a separate Tax Identification Number, TIN, to open or operate bank accounts, contrary to widespread public belief.

According to FIRS, the TIN framework has been designed to integrate seamlessly with existing national registries, making every eligible individual or entity automatically identifiable for tax purposes.

Under the new National Taxpayer Directory, introduced by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), individuals’ TINs are automatically linked to their National Identification Number, NIN, while corporate entities’ TINs are tied to their registration numbers with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC.

Speaking on the framework in an explainer published at the weekend, Arabinrin Aderonke-Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of FIRS, explained that the system removes the need for citizens to manually apply for or present a TIN during financial transactions.

“When an individual provides their NIN, such as during account opening or KYC processes, the system cross-checks the NIN in the national database. As part of this verification, the TIN is automatically retrieved and attached to the person’s records,” she said.

For businesses, she noted, the TIN is automatically tied to their CAC-issued RC Number or other recognised registries covering cooperatives, partnerships, and professional bodies.

The FIRS said the new framework delivers multiple benefits, including seamless banking access, fraud reduction, regulatory compliance, inclusivity for associations and trustees, and global compatibility with international financial systems.

The agency stressed that the popular assumption that Nigerians cannot own or operate bank accounts without a tax ID is inaccurate, as the system is built to ensure automatic compliance without creating unnecessary barriers.

“In practice, a Nigerian walking into a bank with their NIN is already tax-compliant. The bank simply retrieves their TIN as part of the onboarding process,” Mrs Atoyebi explained.

She added that far from being a hurdle, the TIN framework represents a gateway to financial inclusion, regulatory transparency, and global interoperability in Nigeria’s digital economy.