How to Verify a Tax ID (Formerly JTB TIN Certificate) in Nigeria: 2026 Complete Guide

⚠️ UPDATED JANUARY 7, 2026: If you’re searching for “TIN certificate” or “JTB TIN verification,” you’re looking for the right information but using outdated terms. Following Nigeria’s 2025 tax reforms:

• TIN is now called Tax ID
• FIRS is now NRS (Nigeria Revenue Service)
• Physical certificates are no longer issued – everything is digital now

Your NIN (for individuals) or CAC number (for businesses) now serves as your Tax ID. This guide shows you how to retrieve and verify Tax IDs for free using the new portal.

Need Help Getting Your First Tax ID?

If you’re registering your business for the first time and need a Tax ID as part of your CAC registration, that’s what our START packages are built for. We handle:

✅ CAC Business Name or Company Registration
✅ Tax ID Registration (integrated with NIN/CAC)
✅ VAT & FIRS setup (Premium packages)
✅ Compliance calendar so you never miss deadlines (Coming soon)

Packages start from ₦30,000 and include everything you need for a proper legal foundation. Terms Applies.

See START Packages → | Talk to Us on WhatsApp

What a TIN (Tax ID) actually is, and isn’t (How to Verify a JTB TIN Certificate)

A TIN is a database entry, a record in the tax system that connects a taxpayer (individual or business) to their obligations. The number itself is permanent. It doesn’t expire. It doesn’t have a “valid until” date.

Why We’re Writing This Update

Since the beginning of the year 2026, we’ve been getting calls and messages from clients asking us to help them verify their Tax IDs or “work around” the new system. Here’s what we want you to know:

Tax ID verification and retrieval is now free and simple. The new portal was designed so anyone with a smartphone can do it in 5 minutes. You don’t need to pay anyone for basic verification.

However, there’s an important distinction:

• ✅ Verification (checking if a Tax ID exists and is active) = FREE, DIY-friendly
• ✅ Retrieval (getting your own Tax ID using your NIN/CAC) = FREE, DIY-friendly
• ⚠️ Initial Registration (getting a Tax ID for the first time) = Requires proper setup
• ⚠️ Reactivation (fixing inactive/suspended Tax IDs) = Often needs professional help
• ⚠️ Full Compliance Setup (Tax ID + VAT + Returns + Bank integration) = Needs expertise

This post will show you how to handle verification and retrieval yourself. For initial registration and complex compliance issues, we’re here to help through our START packages.

The new Tax ID portal has actually been simplified. This guide walks you through the exact steps with images so you understand how the system works.

Key Points (Updated for 2026)

• No more physical (JTB) certificates: The new Tax ID system is entirely digital
• Your NIN is your Tax ID (for individuals) or CAC number is your Tax ID (for businesses)
• You retrieve (not “apply for”) your 13-digit Tax ID online using NIN/CAC number
• The new Tax ID system is simpler than the old TIN certificate process
• Verification and retrieval take 2-5 minutes online
• The process is completely free, never pay anyone to retrieve your Tax ID
• Old TIN certificates from JTB/FIRS are now obsolete (but the numbers were converted)

What Happened to Your Old JTB TIN Certificate?

This is the #1 question we’re getting, so let’s be crystal clear:

The Big Change: No More Physical Certificates

As of January 1, 2026, Nigeria no longer issues physical Tax ID certificates. According to NRS: “You do not need a physical card; the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”

This is a fundamental shift:

• ❌ No more certificate printouts
• ❌ No more “TIN certificates” to show vendors
• ✅ Your NIN (individuals) or CAC number (businesses) IS your Tax ID
• ✅ Verification happens entirely online through the portal
• ✅ The 13-digit Tax ID you retrieve online is the only “proof” needed

For Individuals with Old JTB TIN Certificates:

Your old TIN certificate is now obsolete, but your number was converted. Here’s what happened:

• Your old 10-digit or 14-digit TIN has been converted to a new 13-digit Tax ID
• This Tax ID is now automatically linked to your NIN
• You don’t get a new certificate, you retrieve your Tax ID online using your NIN
• You DO NOT need to re-register or pay anyone
• The old paper certificate has no legal validity anymore

What to do: Go to the Tax ID portal, enter your NIN, and retrieve your 13-digit Tax ID. Save it as a PDF or screenshot. That’s your new “certificate.”

For Companies with Old FIRS/JTB TIN Certificates:

Your company’s old TIN certificate is also obsolete, but the number was converted:

• Your old company TIN has been converted to a new 13-digit Tax ID
• This Tax ID is now automatically linked to your CAC registration number (RC/BN)
• You retrieve it online using your RC/BN number, no physical certificate is issued
• You DO NOT need to re-register or pay anything
• Old TIN certificates are now just historical documents

What to do: Go to the Tax ID portal, click “Corporate,” enter your RC/BN, and retrieve your Tax ID. Save the result — that’s your proof.

What This Means for Verification:

When vendors, clients, or banks ask for your “Tax ID certificate,” they’re using outdated language. Here’s what to give them:

1. Your 13-digit Tax ID (retrieved from the portal)
2. A screenshot of the verification result (showing your name, Tax ID, and “Active” status)
3. Or just your NIN/CAC number (which IS your Tax ID)

The portal screenshot is your new “certificate.” There’s nothing to print, laminate, or carry around.

How to Retrieve Your Tax ID (Step-by-Step with Images)

The process is straightforward. Follow these exact steps:

For Individuals:

Step 1: Go to the Tax ID portal
Visit: taxid.nrs.gov.ng or taxid.jtb.gov.ng (both leads to similar page

Screenshot showing the page with “Individual” and “Corporate” tabs visible

Step 2: Click on “Individual” tab
When the page loads, you’ll see three options. Click the one that says “Individual”

Step 3: Select “National Identification Number (NIN)”
Under “Tax ID Retrieval Method,” click the dropdown and select “National Identification Number”

Step 4: Enter your 11-digit NIN
Type your NIN exactly as it appears on your NIN slip. No spaces, no dashes.

Step 5: Click “Retrieve Tax ID”
After entering your NIN, scroll down and click the green button that says “Retrieve Tax ID”

Step 6: Verify your identity
The system will ask you to enter:

• Your First Name (exactly as registered with NIMC)
• Your Last Name (exactly as registered with NIMC)
• Your Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY format)

IMPORTANT: The spelling must match exactly what’s on your NIN. If you wrote “Jonathan” during NIN registration, don’t enter “John” here.

Step 7: Tick the declaration box
Check the box that says: “I declare that the data submitted should be used for identity verification purpose.”

Step 8: Click “Continue”
Click the button to proceed.

Step 9: Your 13-digit Tax ID will display!
The screen will now show your Tax ID. Take a screenshot or write it down.

That’s it! You’re done. Total time: 3-5 minutes.

For Companies/Businesses:

Step 1: Go to the Tax ID portal
Visit: www.taxid.nrs.gov.ng or www.taxid.jtb.gov.ng

[IMAGE 9: Homepage of Tax ID portal] Same homepage screenshot

Step 2: Click on “Corporate” tab
Click the button that says “Corporate”

[IMAGE 10: Corporate tab highlighted] Screenshot with arrow pointing to “Corporate” button

Step 3: Select your organization type
From the dropdown menu, choose:

• Limited Liability Company (Ltd/Plc)
• Business Name
• Incorporated Trustee
• Partnership
• Or other applicable type

[IMAGE 11: Organization type dropdown] Screenshot showing organization type options

Step 4: Enter your CAC registration number
Type your RC number (for companies) or BN number (for business names) exactly as it appears on your CAC certificate.

Format examples:

• Companies: RC1234567
• Business Names: BN1234567

[IMAGE 12: CAC number entry field] Screenshot showing RC/BN field filled

Step 5: Click “Retrieve Tax ID”
Click the button to retrieve your company’s Tax ID.

[IMAGE 13: Retrieve button for corporate] Screenshot with retrieve button highlighted

Step 6: Your 13-digit Tax ID will display!
The system will show your company’s Tax ID immediately.

[IMAGE 14: Corporate Tax ID result] Screenshot showing successful corporate Tax ID (redacted)

Done! Your company’s Tax ID is now displayed.

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What to Look for When Verifying

When the Tax ID displays, check the following details carefully:

For Individuals:

• Name match: Does the name shown match your NIN exactly?
• Tax office: Note which tax office you’re registered under
• Status: It should say “Active” (this is the only acceptable status)

For Companies:

• Company name match: Does it match your CAC certificate exactly?
• RC/BN match: Is the registration number correct?
• Status: Should be “Active”

If the status shows “Inactive,” “Dormant,” or “Suspended”: See the troubleshooting section below.

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Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Problem 1: “Record Not Found”

For individuals:

• Double-check your NIN (11 digits, no spaces)
• Verify your name spelling matches your NIN slip exactly
• Try your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format
• If still failing, your NIN might not be linked yet — visit your State IRS or nearest NRS office

For companies:

• Confirm your RC/BN format (e.g., RC1234567, not just 1234567)
• Check for typos
• Ensure your company is still registered with CAC
• Newly registered companies might take 48-72 hours to appear in the system

Problem 2: Status Shows “Inactive”

This doesn’t automatically mean your Tax ID is fake. Legitimate reasons include:

1. Database sync delay: Newly issued Tax IDs can take 24-72 hours to show as active
2. Non-compliance: You have unfiled returns or unpaid taxes
3. NIN/CAC linkage issue: Your NIN or CAC wasn’t properly linked during migration
4. Input errors: Wrong DOB, BVN mismatch, or CAC number discrepancy

What to do:

1. Wait 48-72 hours if your Tax ID was just issued
2. If still inactive after 72 hours, you’ll need professional help

This is where DIY ends and expertise begins. Reactivating a Tax ID often involves:

• Visiting State IRS or NRS offices with proper documentation
• Filing missing returns or resolving tax liabilities
• Correcting NIN/CAC linkage issues in the backend
• Navigating bureaucracy and following up on approvals

Qrafteq can handle this for you. We have relationships with tax offices and know exactly what documentation they need. Contact us for Tax ID reactivation support →

What you’ll need to bring:

• For individuals: NIN slip, valid ID, any previous TIN certificate
• For companies: CAC documents, director’s ID, previous TIN correspondence

Problem 3: Name Mismatch

If the name displayed doesn’t match what you expected:

For individuals: The name must match your NIMC (NIN) records, not your passport or driver’s license. If your NIN says “Jonathan” but you go by “John,” you’ll need to update your NIN first at NIMC.

For companies: The name must match your current CAC records exactly. If you changed your company name, ensure CAC has processed it first.

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Why Some Legitimate Tax IDs Show “Inactive”

Not every inactive Tax ID is fraudulent. Here are valid reasons:

1. Timing/Database Issues
The NRS and JTB systems take time to sync, especially after the January 2026 migration. Give it 48-72 hours.

2. NIN/CAC Linkage Problems (NEW)
The 2026 reforms require all Tax IDs to link to NIN (individuals) or CAC (companies). If there’s a mismatch in the data, the Tax ID shows as inactive until corrected.

3. Non-compliance Flags
If you haven’t filed returns or have tax arrears, NRS or State IRS can suspend your Tax ID status temporarily.

4. Duplicate Registrations
If you applied for TIN multiple times through different channels, one record might be suppressed while they merge the duplicates.

5. Business Closure or Death
Deregistered companies or deceased taxpayers have their Tax IDs marked inactive.

6. Input Errors
A single wrong digit in your NIN, BVN, CAC number, or date of birth will prevent a match even if the Tax ID is real.

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Does Your Tax ID Expire?

No. Tax IDs don’t expire.

The number is permanent and assigned to you or your company forever. What changes is the status—active, inactive, dormant, suspended.

If someone shows you a certificate with an “expiry date” or “valid until” stamp, that’s either a misunderstanding or a fake document. Legitimate Tax ID certificates don’t have expiry dates.

You can reactivate an inactive Tax ID, but you never get a new number.

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What to Do If Someone Sends You a “Tax ID Certificate” for Verification

If you’re onboarding a vendor, contractor, or employee and they send you a physical certificate, here’s what to know:

STOP accepting physical documents. As of January 2026, there are no more Tax ID certificates. If someone sends you a physical “certificate,” it’s either:

1. An old TIN certificate (pre-2026) — obsolete
2. A fake document someone created
3. A printout they made themselves (not official)

The New Verification Process:

Step 1: Ask for their NIN (individuals) or RC/BN (companies) This is their Tax ID. No separate “Tax ID number” exists anymore.

Step 2: Verify it yourself on the portal

• For individuals: Go to taxid.nrs.gov.ng, enter their NIN
• For companies: Enter their RC/BN number

Step 3: Screenshot the result Take a screenshot showing:

• The 13-digit Tax ID (retrieved from their NIN/CAC)
• Their name (matching their claim)
• The status (must be “Active”)
• The date/time you checked

Step 4: Match the details

• Does the retrieved Tax ID match what they claim?
• Does the name match exactly?
• Is the status “Active”?

If any detail doesn’t match, stop the process and ask them to correct it with NRS.

Step 5: Keep records Save the screenshot with your transaction files. This is your proof of compliance.

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What About Old TIN Certificates? Should You Throw Them Away?

Yes, you can throw them away. Old TIN certificates have no legal validity as of January 1, 2026.

Here’s what matters now:

• The database record on the NRS/JTB portal is the only source of truth
• Physical certificates are obsolete — the portal verification is the proof
• Old TIN certificates are just historical documents (keep for your records if you want, but they’re not required for anything)

When someone asks for your “Tax ID certificate”:

1. Retrieve your Tax ID from the portal
2. Take a screenshot showing your name, Tax ID, and “Active” status
3. Send them that screenshot — it’s your new “certificate”

If a vendor shows you an old JTB certificate from 2023: It’s meaningless. Ask them to retrieve their current Tax ID from the portal and send you a screenshot. The portal verification is the only proof that matters now.

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Where the Old Portals Went

You might have bookmarked these old URLs:

• ❌ apps.firs.gov.ng/tinverification/ (discontinued)
• ❌ tinverification.jtb.gov.ng (redirects to new portal)

New portals effective January 1, 2026:

• ✅ www.taxid.nrs.gov.ng
• ✅ www.taxid.jtb.gov.ng

Both new portals work the same way and show the same results.

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For Qrafteq Clients: Our Updated Policy & Services

If You’re Verifying Vendors or Contractors:

Follow this process for payments and onboarding:

1. Never accept a PDF without online verification — Use the official portals only
2. Screenshot every verification — Save with date/time visible for your records
3. Active status is mandatory — Inactive, dormant, or suspended Tax IDs must be resolved first
4. For payments above ₦500,000 — Tax ID verification is a hard requirement before payment clearance
5. If verification fails — Request NIN/CAC proof and ask them to visit their tax office (or refer them to us)

Our Services Beyond Verification:

We handle the complex stuff that businesses struggle with:

🚀 For New Businesses (START Packages)

• Complete CAC + Tax ID Registration from ₦30,000
• Integrated NIN/CAC linkage setup
• Bank account introduction
• FIRS/VAT registration (Premium)
• First-year compliance calendar
• Post-registration support

🔧 For Existing Businesses (Compliance Services)

• Tax ID Reactivation — We handle inactive/suspended Tax IDs
• Annual Returns Filing — Never miss CAC or tax deadlines
• VAT Registration & Filing — Stay compliant with FIRS
• Tax Advisory — Optimize your tax position legally
• Vendor Verification Workflows — Automate Tax ID checks in your payment systems

📊 For Growing Businesses (BUILD & GROW)

• Brand identity after registration
• Website and digital presence
• Marketing automation
• CRM and payment systems
• Growth strategy

Need help? Whether you’re starting fresh, dealing with compliance issues, or scaling operations, we’ve built systems for every stage.

Book a Free Consultation | See All Services

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Where We Verified This Information

Everything in this guide is based on official sources and real system behavior as of January 2026:

• NRS Tax ID Portal: www.taxid.nrs.gov.ng (launched January 1, 2026)
• JTB Tax ID Portal: www.taxid.jtb.gov.ng (updated January 1, 2026)
• Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025: The law that renamed FIRS to NRS
• Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025: The law establishing the Tax ID requirement
• NRS official announcements: Posted on nrs.gov.ng
• Tax reform implementation guidelines: Published by Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms
• Practitioner testing: We tested the portal ourselves with multiple NINs and CAC numbers

This isn’t theory. We’ve tested the system and verified these steps work as of January 7, 2026.

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Final Thoughts

Nigeria’s tax system isn’t perfect, but the new Tax ID portal is genuinely an improvement. The old TIN system involved visiting offices, filling forms, and waiting weeks for certificates. The new system is instant and free for verification and retrieval.

Three things to remember:

1. Verification is free and simple — Anyone can check if a Tax ID is active using the portals we’ve shown you.
2. But initial setup requires expertise — Getting your first Tax ID as part of business registration involves proper NIN/CAC integration, bank coordination, and compliance setup. That’s where our START packages save you time, money, and stress.
3. Documents aren’t proof. Database records are. A fancy-looking certificate means nothing if the number doesn’t verify online as “Active.”

Verification isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about treating the database as the source of truth, not PDF files that anyone can create.

If the record exists in the system and matches, proceed. If it doesn’t, stop—calmly, professionally, without argument.

That’s not bureaucracy. That’s just good compliance.

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Need Help?

For simple verification questions: Drop a comment below and we’ll guide you through it—for free.

For Tax ID registration, reactivation, or compliance setup: That’s what we do best. Let’s talk.

Want to Talk? 08036509056

Get Your Business Registered Properly →
Already Registered? Let’s BUILD →

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