Inland Revenue Department Commissioner Nandana Kumara revealed that around four million Sri Lankans aged 18 and above are yet to obtain their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
He shared these details while speaking on the Ada Derana BIG FOCUS programme recently.
Registration numbers so far
According to Commissioner Nandana Kumara, nearly 13 million people have registered with the department to secure their TIN numbers up to now.
With Sri Lanka's adult population aged 18 and over standing at about 17 million, the department has pointed out that roughly four million more individuals must complete the registration step.
“At present, 13 million people have registered with the department to obtain Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN). Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 17 million people, who are aged 18 and above. Accordingly, we have identified around four million additional individuals who need to register.”Commissioner Nandana Kumara
No need to panic about tax payments
The Commissioner noted that in the past, obtaining a TIN was compulsory only for specific needs. Under current law, however, every citizen reaching the age of 18 is required to register.
He added that the public still holds unnecessary fears about this rule. He clarified that simply being registered with the Inland Revenue Department does not mean everyone has to pay taxes, explaining that the legal mandate is meant to organise and formalise the national tax system.
