CAC RC Number for Coys, NIN for Individuals – How FIRS Resolved Tax ID Controversy

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has resolved the controversy whether Nigerians are expected to register for a new Tax ID, declaring that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has automatically become a tax ID for Nigerians.

FIRS, also declared the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) RC number will
automatically becomes their tax ID under the new tax system for registered companies.

The development comes in the wake of conversations surrounding a provision of the tax laws mandating a Tax ID for bank account ownership.

Speaking in a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws posted on X on Monday, the FIRS disclosed that for registered businesses, the RC number issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) automatically becomes their tax ID under the new tax system.

It added that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), scheduled to come into force from January 2026, mandates the use of Tax ID for certain transactions, according to the campaign.

The Service stated that the requirement has been in place since the Finance Act 2019 and has been strengthened under the NTAA.

“The Tax ID unifies all TINS previously issued by FIRS and states IRS into a single identifier.

“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used.

“You do not need a physical card; the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity,” the FIRS shared.