Summary

Effective 1 November 2026, individuals carrying out specified transactions in Sri Lanka are required to submit a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate or an online verification printout. The requirement covers bank account opening, building plan approvals, vehicle registration and licensing, land transfers, business registration, share transfers, and credit card applications. Responsible officials across relevant public and financial institutions must verify TIN documentation before processing these transactions.

Key points

• Mandatory submission of a valid TIN Certificate for 8 specified transactions effective 1 November 2026.
• Specified transactions include bank account opening, building plan approval, vehicle registration/renewal, land registration, business registration, share transfers, and credit card applications.
• For company share transfers, both the transferor and transferee must provide a valid TIN Certificate.
• A printout from the IRD e-Services verification portal displaying the individual's NIC and TIN is accepted as an alternative to the official TIN Certificate.
• Responsible officials must ensure TIN verification is completed prior to processing or finalizing transactions.