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

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

Accordingly, from November 1, individuals carrying out the specified transactions will be required to submit a valid TIN Certificate.

The requirement will apply when 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.

In the case of share transfers, the TIN requirement will apply to both the transferee and transferor.

The IRD said officials responsible for processing these transactions have been instructed to ensure that individuals submit a valid TIN Certificate before the relevant transaction is processed or completed.

The Department has therefore advised anyone intending to carry out these transactions to obtain a TIN in advance if they have not already done so and to ensure that they hold a valid TIN Certificate.

Individuals can apply for a TIN through the IRD’s e-Services platform and must present a copy of the TIN Certificate to the relevant institution or official whenever required for one of the specified transactions.

The IRD also said individuals can verify their TIN through its e-Services portal. A printout of the verification result clearly displaying the individual’s National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN may also be accepted as an alternative to the official TIN Certificate for these purposes.

The Department further reiterated that obtaining a TIN is mandatory for all resident individuals who were 18 years of age or older as of December 31, 2023, or who turned 18 on or after January 1, 2024, upon reaching that age. 

2026-09-25