Colombo, Nov. 2 (Daily Mirror) - A valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) has become mandatory for several specified transactions, including opening bank accounts, registering motor vehicles and obtaining credit cards, with effect from yesterday, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) said.
Accordingly, individuals must submit a valid TIN when opening an account at a bank or financial institution, obtaining approval for a building plan, registering a motor vehicle or renewing a vehicle licence.
The requirement also applies to the registration of land or land titles, business registration, the transfer of shares in companies incorporated in Sri Lanka and obtaining credit cards.
Relevant officials handling these transactions are required to verify the validity of the TIN before providing the respective services.
Those who have not yet obtained a TIN can register through the IRD's e-Services portal, which also allows individuals to verify their existing TIN numbers online.
The department said that once the TIN is successfully verified, a printout containing both the individual's National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN can be submitted in place of the official TIN certificate.
The IRD further clarified that obtaining a TIN is compulsory for all individuals aged 18 and above, but dismissed claims that everyone holding a TIN is required to pay income tax.
Income tax is payable only by individuals whose annual income exceeds Rs. 1.8 million, the department clarified.
මල්ලෙ පොල් Monday, 02 November 2026 11:10 AM
First of all get the NIC back-Log cleared.
Periyalingam Monday, 02 November 2026 03:45 PM
Pettah is flooded with smuggled items, no TIN no TAX.
Kevin Monday, 02 November 2026 01:17 PM
While these policies are implemented, please clear the pending cards for Driving license
Gosh Monday, 02 November 2026 01:25 PM
No TIN no bank account. So no child in Sri Lanka will be able to open a bank account hereafter
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