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The compulsory taxpayer identification number (TIN) for individuals in Nigeria has sparked intense debate ¹. The policy aims to broaden the tax net and increase revenue, but critics worry about potential privacy violations, increased surveillance, and the burden on small businesses and individuals ¹.
Individuals and business entities chargeable under different conditions as prescribed by the government are required to have a TIN ¹. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) established the TIN in 2008 to enhance accountability of tax revenue ¹. The TIN is a dynamic consecutive set of numbers generated electronically to all forms of taxpayers, made up of individuals and corporate bodies ¹.
Supporters argue that the TIN will enhance taxpayer identification and registration, bring more taxpayers into the tax net, minimize errors and mistakes associated with manual registration, and reduce multiple taxations ¹. However, critics are concerned about the potential impact on privacy and the additional burden on individuals and small businesses