What you need to obtain TIN

• The TIN can be obtained using the IRD e-services or by visiting the  Primary Registration Unit at the 2nd Floor of the IRD Head Office or Any  Regional Offices

By Ajith Siriwardana   

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has issued guidelines and supporting documents required for obtaining the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) which had been made mandatory by the government from January 1st.   

According to the IRD, obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is essential for paying taxes, importing, exporting or obtaining any services from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and after obtaining a TIN, the person has to apply for relevant tax types registration and any other required services based on the requirements and the liabilities. 

The IRD said in its website that Individuals, Clubs and Associations, Partnership Business, Unit Trust, Private Limited Companies, Charity, Company Limited by Guarantee, Co-Operative societies, Foreign Companies, Trust, Limited Companies, Government Institutions & Semi Government Institutions, Unlimited Companies, Embassies and High Commissions, Offshore Companies, Provident fund, Projects, Other foreign Companies – Not registered in Sri Lanka, NGO, Religious Place and Joint Ventures are expected to obtain a TIN.  According to the IRD, when obtaining the TIN for individuals, both the individual’s email address and mobile number are a must in addition to the supporting documents such as the National Identity Card or Valid Driving License, Senior Citizen’s Identity Card (Sri Lankans) or Valid Passport (Foreign Nationals).   The IRD said the TIN can be obtained using the IRD e-services or by visiting the Primary Registration Unit