COLOMBO – Obtaining or presenting a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will become mandatory for a wide range of key financial and administrative transactions in Sri Lanka starting November 1, 2026, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announced.
The requirement, introduced under provisions of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, will apply to transactions specified under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act.
Under the new regulations, individuals must submit a valid TIN Certificate when opening an account at any bank or financial institution; applying for a credit card; registering a business; registering land or title to land; registering a motor vehicle or renewing a motor vehicle licence; obtaining approval for a building plan; and transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka (applicable to both the transferee and transferor)
The IRD stated that officials responsible for processing these transactions have been instructed to ensure a valid TIN Certificate is submitted before completing any relevant application or transfer.
To avoid delays, the department has advised the public to obtain a TIN in advance via the IRD’s e-Services platform. Applicants can present either a copy of their official TIN Certificate or a printout of their TIN verification result from the portal, provided it clearly displays their National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN.
The IRD also reiterated that holding a TIN remains legally mandatory for all resident individuals who were 18 years or older as of December 31, 2023, as well as those who have reached the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2024.
–ENCL
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