A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is required to open a corporate bank account, bid for contracts, get a tax clearance certificate or register for SCUML. Here is exactly how to get a TIN number in Nigeria in 2026 — for yourself, your business name or your company — and how to check whether you already have one.
What is a TIN?
The TIN is a unique number in the national taxpayer database maintained by the Joint Tax Board (JTB). Individuals are registered through their state tax authority via JTB; companies and business names are registered with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). It is the same database, so one TIN works everywhere.
Step 1: check whether you already have a TIN
Most Nigerians with a BVN or NIN were issued a TIN automatically. Before registering:
- Go to the JTB TIN verification portal (tinverification.jtb.gov.ng).
- Select BVN, NIN or CAC registration number.
- Enter the number and your date of birth / registration date.
- If a TIN exists, it is displayed — save it. Do not register again.
Step 2A: get an individual TIN (JTB)
- Have your BVN or NIN, a valid ID, phone number, email and address ready.
- Register on the JTB portal or at your state internal revenue service office.
- Your TIN is generated and sent to your email / phone, usually within 1–3 working days.
- Download the TIN certificate (some banks ask for it).
Step 2B: get a business name or company TIN (FIRS)
- Register with CAC first — you need the certificate. CAC registration.
- Create an account on the FIRS TaxPro-Max portal.
- Upload your CAC certificate, status report / CAC form with directors, memorandum & articles (Ltd), utility bill and a director’s ID.
- Submit. FIRS validates against CAC records and issues the TIN, normally within 2–5 working days.
- Download the TIN certificate for your bank.
Companies are automatically enrolled for Companies Income Tax and may be enrolled for VAT depending on turnover — you will start receiving filing obligations, so keep the login details.
Documents needed
| Individual | Business / company |
|---|---|
| BVN or NIN | CAC certificate |
| Valid ID | CAC status report / form with directors |
| Phone & email | Memorandum & articles (Ltd) |
| Residential address | Utility bill for business address |
| Date of birth | Director’s valid ID, company phone & email |
Common mistakes that delay your TIN
- Registering again when a TIN already exists → duplicate record, bank rejection, weeks to fix.
- Name on ID not matching CAC or BVN records exactly.
- Uploading photos of documents instead of clear PDFs.
- Using a personal TIN for the company bank account — the bank will ask for the company’s own TIN.
- Losing the TaxPro-Max login — you need it for every future filing.
Want it done for you?
Topweb Technologies verifies whether you already have a TIN (free), registers you or your company with JTB/FIRS, follows up and sends the TIN certificate as PDF — from ₦5,000 for individuals and ₦10,000 for companies, anywhere in Nigeria. Bundle it with CAC and SCUML and get everything the bank needs in one go.
Frequently asked questions
Is TIN registration free?
Yes. JTB and FIRS issue TINs free of charge. Agents charge a service fee (Topweb: from ₦5,000) to verify, register and deliver the certificate.
Can I get my TIN online?
Yes. Individuals can check/retrieve their TIN on the JTB verification portal using BVN or NIN. Businesses register on the FIRS TaxPro-Max portal.
How long does it take?
1–3 working days for individuals; 2–5 working days for businesses and companies.
Do I need CAC before TIN?
For a business or company TIN, yes. For a personal TIN, no — it is tied to your BVN/NIN.
What if I already have a TIN but don’t know it?
Use the JTB TIN verification portal with your BVN, NIN or CAC number. Don’t register again — duplicates cause bank rejections.