Registering for taxes with the Nigeria Revenue Service (formerly Federal Inland Revenue Service or FIRS) is the first step in complying with Nigerian tax law. After registration, the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) will issue a taxpayer ID (formerly tax identification number or TIN) to the new user. Note that taxpayer ID is a new number format that will replace the old TIN system. Taxpayer ID is important when a business wants to open a corporate bank account and/or issue a tax invoice to a customer. Other benefits include remitting taxes and claiming withholding tax (WHT) credit.
A taxpayer must complete the NRS taxpayer ID (FIRS TIN) registration process online. This is the new method for registering with NRS. The online approach allows new users to access and submit a duly completed form on the NRS TIN registration portal. That is, TaxPro Max or Rev360. Non-resident companies and larger companies will register on TaxPro Max portal at https://taxpromax.firs.gov.ng. On the other hand, medium and small businesses will use the Rev360 portal at https://selfservice.nrs.gov.ng to register for taxpayer ID. The online method is more convenient.
It is worth noting that regulatory agencies, such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) can generate FIRS TIN for new taxpayers. This move is a collaboration between CAC and NRS (FIRS). However, a new taxpayer must register for taxes directly with NRS to make the TIN active.
The registration process is complete when NRS issues a taxpayer ID (and TIN) to the new taxpayer. Thereafter, the taxpayer can download the NRS tax registration certificate from the Profile section on Rev360. For users on TaxPro Max, NRS will issue a tax registration letter stating the taxpayer’s name, taxpayer ID, monthly and annual filing obligations. NRS will also send log-in details for TaxPro Max and Rev360 to the registered e-mail address. Returns can be filed electronically. Late filing of tax returns attracts penalties and interest. To see the types of taxes in Nigeria, check the article via this link.
To verify if an individual or business has taxpayer ID, check online via the NRS TaxID verification website at https://taxid.nrs.gov.ng/. Alternatively, one can contact the nearest NRS office for assistance.