The Department of Inland Revenue has announced that a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate will be mandatory for several specified activities and transactions from November 1, 2026.
According to the Department, all resident individuals who were 18 years or older by December 31, 2023, or who turn 18 on or after January 1, 2024, are required to obtain a TIN upon reaching the age of 18.
The measure has been introduced under Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2334/21 dated May 31, 2023, issued under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017, as amended.
The Department of Inland Revenue will issue a TIN certificate to every individual who registers for a TIN.
Under provisions introduced through the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026, persons covered by Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act will be required to produce a valid TIN certificate when carrying out the following activities and transactions from November 1:
- Opening an account at a bank or financial institution
- Obtaining approval for building plans
- Registering a motor vehicle
- Renewing a motor vehicle revenue licence
- Registering land or title to land
- Registering a business
- Transferring shares of a company registered in Sri Lanka, by both the transferor and transferee
- Obtaining a credit card
