• Only about 100,000 TINs issued so far 

Despite earlier stipulations that all those above the age of 18 years must register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) before 1 April, the deadline is no longer operational. 

Speaking to The Sunday Morning, a high-level official at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) said that the Government understood that the public needed some time to obtain the TIN, and therefore, while TINs were being issued for those who applied, the earlier mandatory deadline was no longer functional.  

Meanwhile, IRD General Employees’ Union General Secretary Ajith Pushpakumara said that only about 100,000 TINs had been issued so far. 

“Previously, the Government said that all those who are above 18 should register for a TIN before 1 April, but this deadline is no longer operational. Now anyone can register for a TIN with the department as needed.”

Pushpakumara added that pressure from the public, which was already struggling with the effects of the economic crisis, had resulted in the mandatory deadline being deemed impractical.  

Following the Budget 2024 reading last year, the Government announced that a fine of Rs. 50,000 would be imposed on those who did not register for a TIN by 1 February. Later, this deadline was extended until 1 April. 

The Budget also proposed that the TIN would be made a mandatory requirement to open a current bank account, obtain approval for a building plan, register a motor vehicle or renew licences, and to register a land or title to a land. 

The official said that the TIN was still needed for these services. 

When contacted, IRD Commissioner General W.A.S. Chandrasekara said that the department was continuing to issue TINs when an individual applied for it. 

According to reports, in 2019, there had been 1.7 million private income tax files, which had decreased to 204,467 by 2022. However, the number had again increased to 500,196 in 2023.