Sri Lanka IRD mandates TIN Certificates for key transactions

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) of Sri Lanka has announced that starting November 1, 2026, individuals must provide a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate to complete several key transactions. This mandate follows the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026.

The requirement applies to resident individuals aged 18 or older as of December 31, 2023, or those reaching that age on or after January 1, 2024. The specified transactions requiring a TIN Certificate include:

• Opening accounts at banks or financial institutions • Obtaining credit cards • Registering or renewing motor vehicle licenses • Registering land or property titles • Securing building plan approvals • Registering a business • Transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka (applicable to both buyer and seller)

Officials have been instructed to verify TIN Certificates before finalizing these processes. Individuals can apply for or verify their TIN through the IRD’s e-Services platform. A printout of the verification result showing the National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN may also be accepted.