TIN mandatory for key transactions from Nov. 1
A valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will be required for a range of key transactions in Sri Lanka from November 1, 2026, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced. The requirement, introduced under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, applies to transactions specified under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act. […]
From November 1, 2026, taxpayers in Sri Lanka will be required to present a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate for various key transactions, according to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). This mandate, enacted under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, pertains to specified transactions outlined in Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act.
Consequently, when opening a bank or financial account, seeking approval for a building plan, registering or renewing a motor vehicle license, registering land or title to land, establishing a business, transferring shares in a Sri Lankan-incorporated company, or obtaining a credit card, individuals will need to present a TIN Certificate. In the case of share transfers, both the transferor and transferee must provide TIN certificates.
The IRD has instructed its officials to ensure that a valid TIN Certificate is submitted prior to processing or finalizing these transactions. Those without a TIN are advised to obtain one in advance through the IRD's e-Services platform. A printout of the TIN verification result, displaying the applicant's National Identity Card number and TIN, is also accepted instead of the certificate.
The IRD re-emphasized that obtaining a TIN is mandatory for resident individuals aged 18 and above under the relevant provisions.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
