Yesterday (02), a large crowd flocked to the Inland Revenue Department Headquarters in Colombo as well as its regional offices for a single purpose: to quickly obtain the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
However, Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Ms. Rukdevi Fernando, making a special request to the public, emphasizes that there is no need to rush to the offices to obtain a TIN number. She points out that it is more appropriate for only individuals with essential matters to engage in this task at this moment.
According to Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 (as amended) and the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2334/21 dated May 31, 2023, it is mandatory for all resident individuals who have completed 18 years of age by December 31, 2023, as well as those who complete 18 years of age after January 01, 2024, to obtain a TIN number. The Inland Revenue Department will issue an official TIN certificate to every person who registers in this manner.
However, the most important thing the public should know is that, according to the provisions introduced by the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026, the submission of a TIN certificate is mandatory only for a limited number of specific tasks. Effective from November 01, 2026, this law applies only to opening an account in a bank or financial institution, obtaining approval for a building plan, registering a motor vehicle, and renewing a vehicle license. In addition, the submission of a TIN certificate will be mandatory for registering land or land ownership, registering a business, transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka, and obtaining a credit card.
Even individuals who require a TIN number for these specific tasks do not need to visit department offices and waste time. The opportunity to apply for it very easily online through the official e-Services interface of the Inland Revenue Department has been provided. Facilities are also available to check through the website whether someone already has a TIN number.
After successfully verifying it on the website, a printed copy clearly indicating the National Identity Card number and TIN number can be obtained, and the department further confirms that this printed copy will also be officially accepted for the relevant tasks instead of the original certificate.
The Commissioner General reminds the public that individuals who have not yet obtained a TIN number can easily complete their registration process from home by visiting the Inland Revenue Department's e-service (https://eservices.ird.gov.lk/Registration/TINRegistration/ShowRequestHeader).
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