This guide shows you how to verify your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) online in Nigeria — for both individuals and businesses — using official tools from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Joint Tax Board (JTB).
What is a TIN and who issues it?
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is your unique tax ID in Nigeria. Individuals are typically issued a JTB TIN (via State Internal Revenue Services/FCT), while corporate entities are issued FIRS TINs. Both are accepted nationwide for tax purposes.
| Taxpayer Type | Issuer | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | JTB / State IRS | Personal income tax, bank/KYC, government services |
| Company/Business | FIRS | Company taxes (CIT, VAT), import/export, contracts, banking |
Verify your TIN online (Official FIRS Tool)
Takes about 1–2 minutes.
- Open the official FIRS TIN Verification portal: apps.firs.gov.ng/tinverification.
- In Select Search Criteria, choose one of:
- Tax Identification Number (if you already know your TIN)
- RC/BN (for businesses using CAC Registration/Business Number)
- Phone Number (the number used during registration)
- Enter the value (e.g., your TIN, RC/BN, or phone). For phone searches, you may be prompted for extra details (e.g., date of birth).
- Click Search. If valid, you’ll see your name, TIN, tax office, and status.
- Take a screenshot or copy down the details for your records.
If you don’t know your TIN (Retrieval options)
Try these in order:
- Search by phone on the FIRS portal: apps.firs.gov.ng/tinverification.
- Search by RC/BN (businesses) using your CAC registration number.
- Check the JTB mobile app (Android) for registration/lookup support: JTB App on Google Play.
- If still unsuccessful, visit your nearest FIRS Tax Office or State IRS with a valid ID (NIN/Int’l Passport/Driver’s Licence) and the phone/email used during registration.
Business & Corporate TIN Verification
For companies, you can verify using the CAC RC/BN on the FIRS portal:
- Go to FIRS TIN Verification.
- Select RC/BN, enter your CAC number exactly as issued (e.g.,
RC1234567orBN1234567), then Search. - Confirm the returned business name, TIN, tax office, and status.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
“No result found”
- Double-check spelling/format (e.g., correct RC vs BN; phone without country code if requested).
- Try a different criterion (Phone, TIN, or RC/BN).
- If you registered very recently, your record may not be live yet — try again later or visit your tax office with proof of registration.
Phone search doesn’t work
- Only the number used for registration will match. If you changed numbers, take ID + old number/email to the tax office for a profile update.
My name is wrong / status shows inactive
- Visit your FIRS or State IRS to update biodata, attach ID, and correct records. Bring CAC docs for businesses.
Documents you may need at a Tax Office
- Individuals: Government ID (NIN Slip/Passport/Driver’s Licence), phone number and email used during TIN registration.
- Businesses: CAC Certificate and status report, RC/BN, company email/phone, valid ID of a director, and (if available) prior TIN letter.
Quick FAQs
Is my JTB TIN different from FIRS TIN?
They are issued by different authorities but both are valid tax identifiers in Nigeria. Many systems accept either; verify yours via the FIRS tool above.
Can I print a TIN certificate?
Yes — once your record is active, request a copy at your tax office or check emails used during registration for a certificate/acknowledgement.
How long does activation take after registration?
Timelines vary. If your verification fails after a reasonable wait, visit your tax office with your documents for assistance.
Official Links
- FIRS TIN Verification: https://apps.firs.gov.ng/tinverification/
- FIRS Help (TIN Verification page): https://firs.gov.ng/tin-verification
- JTB Mobile App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jtb.app