Bank Accounts, Property, Vehicles, Businesses and Credit Cards Included in New Requirement

Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department says individuals must submit a valid TIN certificate for eight specified financial, property, vehicle and business transactions from 1 November 2026.

People completing several important financial, property, vehicle and business transactions in Sri Lanka will be required to submit a valid Taxpayer Identification Number certificate from 1 November 2026.

The Inland Revenue Department announced the requirement under provisions introduced by the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026.

According to the IRD announcement, officials responsible for the affected transactions must ensure that a valid TIN certificate is submitted before processing or completing the transaction.

The new requirement will affect people opening bank accounts, registering businesses, obtaining credit cards, registering land, completing specified vehicle transactions and transferring company shares.

Eight Transactions Requiring a TIN Certificate

From 1 November 2026, a valid TIN certificate must be presented for the following transactions:

1. Opening an account at a bank or financial institution
2. Obtaining approval for a building plan
3. Registering a motor vehicle
4. Renewing a motor vehicle licence
5. Registering land or title to land
6. Registering a business
7. Transferring shares in a company incorporated in Sri Lanka
8. Obtaining a credit card

For a transfer of shares in a Sri Lankan company, the requirement applies to both the person transferring the shares and the person receiving them.

The IRD has instructed the relevant institutions and responsible officials to verify the submission of a valid certificate before proceeding with these transactions.

Who Is Required to Obtain a TIN?

The IRD reiterated that obtaining a TIN is mandatory for resident individuals who were 18 years of age or older as of 31 December 2023.

The requirement also applies to resident individuals who reach the age of 18 on or after 1 January 2024, when they reach that age.

This obligation originates from Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2334/21 of 31 May 2023, issued under Section 102(3) of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, as amended.

The new November requirement relates to presenting evidence of the TIN when completing the eight specified transactions.

How to Obtain a TIN

Individuals who have not obtained a TIN can apply using the Inland Revenue Department’s online e-Services platform.

The IRD’s 2026 taxpayer-registration guidelines list a National Identity Card as the primary supporting document for a Sri Lankan individual.

Additional documentation may be needed in particular circumstances. For example, the guidelines indicate that proof of address may be required when a person’s current address differs from the address recorded on the NIC.

Examples of accepted address evidence listed in the guidelines include:

• A utility bill
• A bank statement or passbook
• A Grama Niladhari certificate

A business registration certificate is also required when a proprietorship is being added to the person’s registration.

Applicants should follow the current instructions displayed by the IRD e-Services portal because documentation requirements can depend on the applicant’s circumstances.

What If the Original Certificate Is Unavailable?

Published reports on the latest IRD announcement state that an online TIN verification result may be used as an alternative where it clearly displays the individual’s National Identity Card number and TIN.

Anyone planning one of the specified transactions should verify this with the bank, government authority or responsible institution before attending, particularly if relying on a printed verification result instead of the original certificate.

Members of the public can also use the IRD e-Services portal to verify registration information.

Why People Should Prepare Before November

The requirement covers several transactions that are frequently time-sensitive.

A person purchasing property, registering a vehicle, opening a bank account, applying for a credit card or starting a business may face processing delays if the required TIN evidence is unavailable.

Anyone expecting to undertake one of the listed transactions after 1 November should therefore check whether they already have:

• A valid TIN
• Access to the associated certificate
• Correct personal information in the IRD system
• A readable copy or accepted verification printout
• Matching National Identity Card information

People should avoid waiting until the day of a transaction to resolve registration errors or obtain missing documentation.

Important for Property Owners and Businesses

The inclusion of land registration, building-plan approval and business registration makes this announcement especially relevant to property owners, developers and entrepreneurs.

People transferring company shares should also note that the requirement applies to both sides of the transaction.

Financial institutions, registration authorities and other responsible offices are expected to verify the required documentation before completing an affected transaction. The practical processing arrangements may differ between institutions, depending on the official circulars issued to them.

Use Official IRD Services

Applicants should use the official Inland Revenue Department website and e-Services platform when applying for or verifying a TIN.

The IRD taxpayer-registration guidelines list the Department’s 1944 call centre for further information.

Individuals should avoid sharing NIC details, passwords, PINs or copies of personal tax documents with unverified intermediaries or unofficial social-media accounts.

The information in this article is a general summary of the published announcement and should not be treated as individual tax or legal advice. Readers with questions about their circumstances should contact the Inland Revenue Department or an appropriately qualified professional.