TIN compulsory for key transactions from 1 Nov.

Saturday, 26 September 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Valid TIN Certificate required from 1 Nov. to open bank accounts, register vehicles, land and businesses, and obtain credit cards
Rule also covers building plan approvals, vehicle licence renewals and share transfers, where both parties must comply
e-Services verification printout showing NIC and TIN number accepted in place of the certificate
TIN already mandatory for all resident individuals aged 18 and above

A valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will be compulsory for a range of key transactions from 1 November, 2026, including opening bank accounts, registering vehicles, land and businesses, and obtaining credit cards, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) said.

In a public notice, the IRD said the requirement is being introduced under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, and applies to transactions specified under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act.

The requirement covers opening an account at any bank or financial institution, obtaining approval for a building plan, registering a motor vehicle, renewing a motor vehicle licence, registering land or title to land, registering a business, transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka, and obtaining a credit card. For share transfers, both the transferor and the transferee must hold a valid TIN.

The IRD said officials responsible for these transactions have been instructed to obtain a valid TIN Certificate before processing or completing them.

Individuals can apply for a TIN through the IRD’s e-Services platform and must present a copy of the certificate to the relevant institution or official when required. They can also verify their TIN on the same portal. A printout of the verification result that clearly shows the individual’s National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN may be accepted in place of the official certificate.

The IRD reiterated that obtaining a TIN is already mandatory for all resident individuals who were 18 or older as at 31 December, 2023, and for those who turned or turn 18 on or after 1 January, 2024, upon reaching that age.

The Department advised anyone planning to carry out any of these transactions to obtain a TIN in advance and ensure they hold a valid certificate.