Before you go any further, read this because it will save you your money, stress and time. Read how you can get TIN in Nigeria using just your phone without going to their office.
Getting your Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria no longer has to be stressful, expensive, or time-consuming. Many people still believe you must visit a tax office or pay an agent before you can get your TIN, but that is no longer true. With the official JTB app and JTB/FIRS website, you can register for your TIN using just your phone, right from home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple, free, and legitimate ways to apply for a TIN online, explain why it is important, and show you exactly what to do so you can avoid mistakes, save time, and get your TIN without unnecessary delays
Why TIN is Important
A TIN is your official tax number. It helps the government identify taxpayers. It’s required for things like:
- Business registration
- Opening a business account
- High value transactions
- Government applications
- Some banking updates
This does not mean your account will suddenly be closed if you don’t have TIN. But it’s smart to get it done now so you are ready.
There are three different ways to get your TIN as an individual:
- The JTB mobile app
- The JTB/FIRS official website
If the app doesn’t work on your phone, read till the end so you see the second method.
JTB App
Let’s start with the JTB app. If you can’t find the app on your phone, make sure you read till the end so you can use the second method to get your TIN.
After downloading the app, open it. You will see this:
- Non-individual TIN
- Individual TIN
- Nearest tax offices
- Message board
- Tax authority contacts
- Important tax dates and others
If you want business TIN, you can click non-individual TIN.
Next, it will bring out this form that says please ensure the BVN details entered here corresponds exactly with your BVN slip.
- The first box, enter your correct BVN, no mistake.
- Next, enter your date of birth.
- Enter your first name. Please bring out your BVN slip and make sure to enter the same first name and surname exactly the way it’s written there.
- Next, you check the last box. I am not a robot. It will bring out some pictures for you to verify.
- Then click on search. It will bring out another form.
On the next form;
- Upload your passport.
- Your BVN is there already.
- Put your correct NIN.
- Select your title: Mr., Dr., or Engineer.
- Your first name is there already.
- Type in your middle name.
- Your last name is there already.
- Select your gender.
- Select your state of origin.
- Your place of birth.
- Your marital status.
- Next is your email address. Please, you must have an email address. That’s where they will send your TIN.
- After entering your email, next enter your country, your state, local government, city, street, house number, occupation, nationality and phone number.
- After everything, you click submit.
They will send you an email after some time telling you that your request has been submitted successfully. They will also send you your request ID number. The next day, they sent you your tax identification number.
So, if everything was correct, your TIN will be generated instantly or emailed to you within minutes or hours.
A Quick Disclaimer
JTB app is available and working well sometimes. However, recently a lot of people have been complaining that they can’t find the app on Google Play Store or Apple App Store anymore.
JTB Website Method
So please, if you search for the app and you don’t see it, don’t panic. That’s why we are going to show you the second method, which is the website method. And this one works perfectly for everybody.
The second method is the official website. If the app doesn’t work on your phone, here is the second method.
First, go to the official website, which is https://jtb.gov.ng/apply-tin/. Once you search it, the page will load and take you to this interface. You will see these options:
- Register or verify TIN
- How to apply for TIN
- Under this section, you will see three options:
Individuals – This is for people who want to apply for an individual TIN. Click on the blue word here.
Non-individuals – This is for people doing business or registering a company. If you fall into this category, click on the blue word here below it.
Verify TIN – This is for people who want to check if they already have an existing TIN. Click on the blue word here if that is what you want.
For an individual TIN. So you will scroll up under individuals and click. It will load for some time and take you to the first form interface. You will see this message. Please ensure the BVN details entered here correspond exactly with your BVN slip.
The first box is BVN. Please enter your correct BVN. Next is date of birth. Enter your date of birth. Next is first name. Enter your first name exactly as it appears on your BVN slip. Next is last name, which is your surname.
After filling the details, tick the small box below to confirm that you are not a robot. It will load and bring out pictures for you to select. Complete the verification. After verifying, it will bring you back to the form. Click search. It will load. Click set, it will load for some time and show validated. Click next to continue.
After clicking next, it will take you to the second form. You will see TIN request individual. Upload your passport photograph. Click on the blue choose file. You can select from your photo library, take a photo or choose from files. I already have mine on my phone so I selected photo library.
Your BBN will already be filled because you entered it in the first form. Next is NIN. Please enter your correct NIN, no mistakes. Next is title. Click the drop down menu and select your title:
- Either doctor
- Engineer
- Honorable
- Or anyone that applies to you.
Your first name will already be there. Enter your middle name. Your last name will already be there. Select your gender, either male or female. Select your state of origin. Your date of birth will already be filled. Enter your place of birth. Select your marital status. Next is email address. Please make sure you enter a correct and active email address because that is where your TIN will be sent to. Next, select your country.
Enter your state of residence, that’s where you live. Enter your local government. Enter your city or town. Enter your street name and house number. Select your occupation from the drop down menu. Enter your nationality. Lastly, enter your phone number 1 and phone number 2.
After filling everything, cross check all your details very well to be sure there is no mistake. Then click submit. It will load for some time and show TIN submitted successfully together with your request ID number. Click close.
Now keep checking your email. That is where they will send your TIN. For this particular application, a confirmation email was sent first and after about 3 days, the TIN certificate was delivered to the email. This method may take a little longer depending on the verification but it works.
If you want to confirm your TIN after registering, simply go to the JTB portal and click verify TIN. Enter your phone number or NIN and it will show your correct TIN. TIN registration is 100% free. Just use the correct details as they appear on your BBN and NIN.
Conclusion
getting your Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria is now easier, faster, and completely free when you follow the right steps. Whether you use the JTB mobile app or the official JTB/FIRS website, you can successfully register for your TIN using just your phone, without visiting any tax office or paying anyone.
By applying early and ensuring your BVN, NIN, and personal details are correct, you save yourself future stress when opening bank accounts, registering a business, or completing government and financial transactions. If you haven’t registered yet, now is the best time to do it online and stay compliant, prepared, and ahead.
