Thursday Nov 05, 2026
Thursday Nov 05, 2026
Thursday, 5 November 2026 06:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Finance Ministry yesterday clarified that individuals can open bank accounts and renew motor vehicle revenue licences without producing a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate, following special arrangements to prevent disruptions to the two services.
Under the arrangements announced jointly with the Inland Revenue Department and the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, applicants who already have a TIN can provide the number, while those yet to register can submit their National Identity Card number, name, address, telephone number and email address.
The relevant institutions will facilitate TIN registration or obtain the number using the information provided.
The Ministry said these services should not be delayed or refused solely because applicants cannot produce a TIN certificate.
The clarification follows the introduction, from 1 November, of a requirement to submit TIN certificates for eight specified transactions. Apart from opening bank or financial institution accounts and renewing vehicle revenue licences, the requirement applies to obtaining credit cards, building plan approvals, vehicle registration, land registration, business registration and transfers of company shares. The special arrangements apply only to the first two transactions, with certificates required for the remaining six.
The Ministry also confirmed that printed and electronic TIN certificates are equally valid, with no requirement for official signatures, seals, stamps or certified copies.
While all resident individuals aged 18 and above are legally required to obtain a TIN, the Ministry stressed that registration does not automatically create an income tax liability. Tax becomes payable only when annual income exceeds the prescribed threshold of Rs. 1.8 million.
Individuals who do not immediately need a TIN have been advised to defer registration until congestion at the Inland Revenue Department and its online system eases.
