The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that presenting a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) will be mandatory when obtaining several government and financial services from November 1, 2026.
According to a notice issued by the IRD, a valid TIN must be presented when opening an account at a bank or financial institution, obtaining approval for building plans, registering a motor vehicle and renewing a motor vehicle revenue licence.
The requirement will also apply to the registration of land or land titles, registration of businesses, transfer of shares in companies incorporated in Sri Lanka and obtaining credit cards.
The IRD has instructed officers responsible for providing these services to independently verify the validity of the TIN submitted before processing or completing the relevant transaction.
Those who have not yet obtained a TIN can register online through the IRD's e-services portal. [IRD TIN Registration portal](https://eservices.ird.gov.lk/Registration/TINRegistration/ShowRequestHeader?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Existing TIN holders can also verify the active status of their TIN through the department's online verification service. [IRD TIN verification service](https://eservices.ird.gov.lk/Registration/verifyirdinformation/index?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
The Commissioner General of Inland Revenue has further confirmed that a printed copy obtained following successful online verification, clearly displaying both the individual's National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN, will be accepted in place of the formal TIN certificate when carrying out the designated transactions.
