The Inland Revenue Department has announced that presenting a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will be mandatory for specified activities with effect from November 1, 2026.

According to the Inland Revenue Department, obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is mandatory for all resident individuals who were 18 years of age or older as of December 31, 2023, or who turn 18 on or after January 1, 2024, upon reaching that age.

The Department said this requirement is in accordance with Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2334/21 dated May 31, 2023, issued under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, as amended.

Accordingly, the Inland Revenue Department said it issues a TIN Certificate to every person who registers for a TIN.

The Department further informed the public that, in accordance with provisions introduced by the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, every person specified under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act will, with effect from November 1, 2026, be required to submit a valid TIN Certificate when carrying out the following transactions:

•             To open any account at any bank or financial institution 

•             To obtain approval for a building plan 

•             To register a motor vehicle 

•             To renew the license of a motor vehicle 

•             To register a land or title to a land 

•             To register a business 

•             To transfer shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka, by the transferee and transferor 

•             To obtain a credit card

The Inland Revenue Department said the relevant responsible officials are required, in accordance with the circular issued to them, to ensure that the person concerned submits a valid TIN Certificate before the relevant transaction is processed or completed.

Accordingly, the Department advised all persons intending to engage in any of the specified transactions to obtain a TIN if they have not already done so.

The Department said individuals can apply for a TIN through the Inland Revenue Department's e-Services platform. (https://eservices.ird.gov.lk/Registration/TINRegistration/ShowRequestHeader).

It further advised individuals to ensure that they hold a valid TIN Certificate and to present a copy of the certificate to the relevant institution or official whenever it is required for a specified transaction.

The Inland Revenue Department also said individuals can verify their TIN through its e-Services portal, where the TIN is displayed upon successful verification. (https://eservices.ird.gov.lk/Registration/verifyirdinformation/index)

According to the Department, a printout of the verification result clearly showing the individual's National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN may also be accepted as an alternative to the official TIN Certificate for the above purposes.