Inland Revenue Department urges online TIN registration amid office crowds

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in Sri Lanka has appealed to the public to utilize online services for obtaining Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) following heavy congestion at its Colombo headquarters and regional offices.

Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, Rukdevi Fernando, and spokesperson Nandana Kumara advised citizens to avoid unnecessary physical visits to department offices. The surge in applications follows new regulations requiring a TIN for eight specific categories of economic transactions, effective November 1, 2024. These mandatory tasks include opening bank accounts, obtaining building plan approvals, registering or renewing motor vehicle licenses, registering land ownership, establishing businesses, transferring company shares, and applying for credit cards.

Under current laws, all resident individuals who were 18 years old by December 31, 2023, or who turn 18 after January 1, 2024, are required to obtain a TIN. The department noted that additional officers were deployed to manage the crowds and reduce delays.