Nigeria · TIN / Tax ID
Nigeria TIN Format Checker
Check the format of a Nigerian TIN: the legacy NRS (ex-FIRS) TIN, the 10-digit JTB TIN or the 13-digit Tax ID.
What is a Nigerian TIN?
A Nigerian TIN (Tax Identification Number) is the number every taxable person uses with the tax authorities. Companies hold a legacy TIN in the form 01056346-0001 (Unilever Nigeria Plc), issued by FIRS — now the Nigeria Revenue Service. From 1 January 2026 a 13-digit Tax ID, issued by the NRS and the Joint Revenue Board, is replacing earlier TINs.
Nigerian TIN formats
Three formats of tax number are in use.
(8 digits + 4)
(10 digits)
(from 2026)
Example: 01056346-0001 and JTB TIN 1001201381 (Unilever Nigeria Plc; the TIN is printed in its 2025 annual report).
- Hyphen: The legacy TIN is written with a hyphen before the last four digits; this checker adds it if missing.
- Not a TIN: An 11-digit NIN (personal ID) or a CAC RC/BN number is a different number.
- No check digit: No check-digit rule has been published for any of the three formats.
- Format check only: This checker confirms that the number matches one of the three formats. It does not query a register, so it cannot confirm that a TIN was issued or is active.
How to check a Nigerian TIN
- 1 Find the TIN or Tax ID on the supplier’s invoice, contract or annual report.
- 2 Enter it above. The checker tells you which format it matches (legacy TIN, JTB TIN or 13-digit Tax ID); it does not confirm that the number was issued.
- 3 If it has 11 digits, it is probably a NIN — ask the supplier for its TIN or Tax ID instead.
- 4 Need the background on Nigerian tax IDs? Read our Nigeria tax ID guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a TIN and the new Tax ID?
From 1 January 2026, the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) issue a 13-digit Tax ID, which they announced as “replacing previously issued TINs”. The older numbers were the FIRS TIN (e.g. 01056346-0001) and the 10-digit JTB TIN.
How many digits is a Nigerian TIN?
It depends on the format: the legacy FIRS (now NRS) TIN is 8 digits, a hyphen and 4 digits (e.g. 01056346-0001); the JTB TIN is 10 digits; and the Tax ID issued from 2026 is 13 digits.
Is my NIN or my company’s RC number my Tax ID?
No. The Tax ID is a separate number that is linked to an individual’s NIN or a business’s CAC registration number, which are used to retrieve it.
What is the difference between an RC number and a TIN?
The RC number is the Corporate Affairs Commission registration number (BN for business names); the TIN or Tax ID is the tax number. For example, Unilever Nigeria Plc is RC 113 and TIN 01056346-0001.
Did FIRS change its name?
Yes. The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025 repealed the FIRS Act, and FIRS became the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). The Joint Tax Board was likewise replaced by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) under the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2025.
Where must the Tax ID be used?
Under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 it must be stated on tax returns and on documents issued for a transaction, and it is a condition for contracts with government bodies. Banks, insurers, stockbrokers and other financial service providers must ensure taxpayers provide it, and a statutory body or company that awards a contract to an unregistered person faces a ₦5,000,000 penalty.
Last reviewed: , against official sources.
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