What the TIN is
The TIN is the number Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) assigns to a taxpayer in Tanzania. It follows you across every tax you deal with: VAT, income tax and withholding. Businesses that pay you will ask for it before they release payment, because they report their suppliers to Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) by this number.
Who needs one
Anyone with income, every business owner and every company. Since 1 July 2026 you must apply within 15 days of starting a business, a job or an investment (Finance Act 2026, s.72).
How to register, step by step
- Apply online on the TRA Taxpayer Portal or at a TRA office with a National ID, passport or voter ID.
- For a business TIN, add a letter from the local government office and a lease agreement or title deed for the premises.
- Companies bring the BRELA certificate of incorporation.
- TRA then holds an assessment interview before issuing the TIN certificate.
Documents, cost and how long it takes
Individuals apply online on the TRA Taxpayer Portal (IDRAS) with a National ID, passport or voter ID. For a business TIN, also upload a letter from the Local Government Authority and the lease or title deed for the business premises. An assessment interview with TRA follows. Companies first register with BRELA, then apply with the certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, lease or title deed and the local authority letter. Partnerships add the BRELA registration certificate and the partnership deed. Groups add the council's group registration certificate, their constitution and the members' TINs. Since 1 July 2026 you must apply within fifteen days of starting the business.