Deadline for TIN Registration No Longer in Effect

Despite initial directives mandating all individuals above 18 years to register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) before April 1, the deadline has been rendered inactive.

A senior official from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), speaking to The Sunday Morning, explained that recognizing the public’s need for sufficient time to acquire TINs, the previously enforced deadline is no longer applicable. TINs are being issued to applicants, albeit without the earlier mandatory cutoff.

Issuance Figures and Public Response

Ajith Pushpakumara, General Secretary of the IRD General Employees’ Union, disclosed that approximately 100,000 TINs have been issued to date. He emphasized the shift away from the earlier rigid deadline, stating that individuals can now register for a TIN as necessary, acknowledging public pressure amidst ongoing economic challenges.

Government’s Earlier Stance and Current Situation

Previously, the government had set a deadline for TIN registration by February 1, with a penalty of Rs. 50,000 for non-compliance, later extending it to April 1. The Budget 2024 outlined plans to make TIN mandatory for various transactions, including bank account opening, building plan approval, vehicle registration, license renewal, and land title registration.

Current Requirements and Operations

Despite the deadline relaxation, the official affirmed the continued necessity of TIN for the specified services. IRD Commissioner General W.A.S. Chandrasekara confirmed the department’s ongoing issuance of TINs upon individual applications.

Trends in Tax Filing

Reports indicate fluctuations in private income tax filings, from 1.7 million in 2019 to 204,467 in 2022, followed by a rise to 500,196 in 2023. This underscores the evolving landscape of tax compliance and the significance of initiatives like TIN registration.