What the TIN is
The TIN is the number Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) assigns to a taxpayer in Uganda. 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 Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) by this number.
Who needs one
Anyone with income, all businesses, and anyone registering land, a vehicle or a company.
How to register, step by step
- Apply online on the URA portal under Instant TIN with your national ID (NIN).
- Companies apply after URSB registration with the Certificate of Incorporation and Company Form 20.
- The TIN is generated instantly for individuals with a valid NIN.
Documents, cost and how long it takes
What you need for a URA TIN depends on who you are. A Ugandan adult needs the National ID (NIN). If you already have a NIN, the Instant TIN form on ura.go.ug needs only the NIN and a working phone number, and sends the TIN by SMS and email within about five minutes. Without a NIN, or to register a business name, you apply online by uploading URA's Excel template, and a URA officer checks it before the TIN is issued. Sole proprietors add their Business Name Registration Certificate. Foreigners need a passport and a visa or work permit, and refugees a refugee ID. A private company needs its Certificate of Incorporation and Company Form 20. A partnership needs its Certificate of Registration and Statement of Particulars, and an NGO its NGO certificate. Signed forms with copies of the listed documents must reach URA before the number is released. Afterwards, print the TIN certificate as a PDF from e-services > Taxpayer Profile on the portal.