The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has introduced a groundbreaking reform that will replace the long-used Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the National Identification Number (NIN). The new system aims to simplify how citizens and businesses in Uganda handle tax-related matters, making it easier for everyone to comply with tax regulations and access government services through a single identification number.
According to URA, this change is part of its wider effort to modernize the country’s tax system and promote a more digital, transparent, and efficient public service. The announcement was made as the authority officially opened its annual tax return filing season, which started on Tuesday.
In a statement shared on URA’s official social media platforms under the hashtag #LearnTaxUg, the authority said, “Soon and very soon, your NIN will be your TIN.” This integration will allow Ugandans to use one number for tax payments, business registrations, and other government services, reducing bureaucracy and improving service delivery.
The reform was introduced under the Tax Procedures Amendment Bill and aligns with the government’s digital transformation agenda. It seeks to eliminate multiple identification systems, prevent tax evasion, and enhance coordination between government institutions. From now on, individual taxpayers will use their NINs as their tax numbers, while registered companies will use their Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) registration numbers.
URA officials explained that merging the two systems will remove duplicate tax records, simplify compliance processes, and give taxpayers easier access to online services such as license applications, tax payments, and registration through a single platform.
As part of its latest reforms, URA also announced new incentives for entrepreneurs. Startups established after July 1, 2025, with capital not exceeding 500 million shillings, will enjoy a three-year income tax exemption. The measure is designed to support innovation and promote business growth in Uganda’s rapidly expanding startup sector.
The shift from TIN to NIN is a major step toward achieving Uganda’s Vision 2040, which focuses on building a fully digital economy. By linking NINs to tax administration, the government hopes to increase transparency, widen the tax base, and make it easier for citizens to fulfill their obligations without the usual paperwork and delays.
URA urged all taxpayers to file their returns promptly to avoid penalties, reminding them that timely compliance not only prevents fines but also helps maintain a positive relationship with the tax authority.
“The taxman smiles when you comply,” URA stated. “File and pay your returns before the 15th of every month. We listen and we don’t judge—just file and pay your taxes.”
For decades, the TIN has been the backbone of Uganda’s tax system. Its replacement with the NIN marks one of the most significant administrative reforms in the country’s history—a change expected to usher in a more efficient, transparent, and digitally connected era of tax management in Uganda.