TIN mandatory for eight transactions from 1 Nov.: IRD reminder

Daily FT and Newswire report that the requirement took effect on 1 November 2026 under the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026. Daily Mirror and Ada Derana also report that a valid TIN is now required for specified transactions.

Newswire lists the eight activities as opening bank accounts, obtaining building-plan approval, registering motor vehicles, renewing vehicle licences, registering land or property, registering businesses, transferring shares in companies incorporated in Sri Lanka, and obtaining credit cards. Newswire and WhatNews report that opening accounts at banks or financial institutions is included; Newswire separately reports that the rule applies to vehicle revenue licences.

Newswire reports that IRD spokesperson Nandana Kumara said obtaining a TIN has been a legal requirement for people aged 18 and over since 1 January 2024, and that the department continues to issue certificates. Newswire says Kumara advised people to visit IRD offices only when they need a certificate for one of the specified activities.

Newswire reports that applications can be made online, but processing takes time because submitted details must be verified. It says processed certificates are mailed to the address provided, without applicants needing to visit a regional office, and can then be used for transactions requiring a TIN. Newswire also reports queues at IRD offices across the country as the rules took effect.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.