TIN now needed to open a bank account in Sri Lanka from 1 November: how to get yours free
සිංහලෙන් කියවන්න: TIN අංකය ගැන සිංහල ලිපිය
From 1 November 2026, banks and financial institutions in Sri Lanka must see a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate before they open an account for you or issue you a credit card. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announced the requirement in a public notice in September 2026, under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026, as Ada Derana, Daily Mirror and Daily FT reported.
What needs a TIN certificate from 1 November
- Opening an account at any bank or financial institution
- Getting a credit card
- Getting a building plan approved
- Registering a motor vehicle
- Renewing a vehicle revenue licence
- Registering land or a title to land
- Registering a business
- Transferring shares in a company incorporated in Sri Lanka (both the person transferring and the person receiving them)
Officials handling these transactions have been told to see a valid TIN certificate before going ahead. Instead of the certificate, they can also accept a printout of the IRD's online verification result showing your NIC number and your TIN.
Does this affect my existing bank account?
As reported, the IRD notice covers opening an account and getting a credit card. It does not say that existing accounts will be frozen or closed. Your bank may still ask you to update your details, so it is worth having your TIN ready.
Who needs a TIN
Getting a TIN is compulsory for every resident aged 18 or over on 31 December 2023, and for everyone who has turned or turns 18 since 1 January 2024. Registering for a TIN does not by itself mean you owe income tax; that depends on your income.
In June 2026 the IRD said that about 4 million of the roughly 17 million people who must register still had not, Ada Derana reported.
