This week’s #TaxationSimplified provides guidance on the steps for Individuals registering for a Taxpayer Identification Number.
WHAT IS A TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN)?
The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), is a unique computer generated number allocated to each taxpayer, whether an individual, a commercial business, Government Department, public corporation, or a special body.
WHO IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A TIN?
Every person conducting business with a Government Department, Public Authority (including the Guyana Revenue Authority), Public Corporation or the Central Bank (Bank of Guyana) is required to have a TIN.
WHO IS EXEMPT FROM REQUIRING A TIN?
The following persons are not legally required to obtain a TIN (except if transacting business with the GRA):
- Any person under the age of fifteen years (15 years)
- Temporary residents in Guyana, not in receipt of income ( where the stay does NOT exceed one hundred and eighty-three (183) days
- A person who satisfies the GRA that he/she is not in receipt of income
HOW TO OBTAIN A TIN?
Individual taxpayers making an application for TIN should note the following: Application for Individual TIN:
- Completed Application Form
- Cost of Transaction: 1st time applicant (1st Certificate) – G$1,000;
- Re-print of TIN Certificate – $2,000. It should be noted that in cases where the TIN Certificate was lost or damaged, the applicant will be charged a re-print fee of G$2,000.
- Valid form of Identification (Passport, National Identification Card, National Insurance Scheme Card)
- Proof of Address (utility bills, bank statement or any mail received via post). Additionally, where the applicant cannot provide a proof of address in his or her name, a ‘Testimony Form’ can be used. The ‘Testimony Form’ allows the applicant to apply for a TIN using the address of the individual with whom the applicant resides, and as such, serves as an authorisation by the other party. Further, should a ‘Testimony Form’ be utilised, the person authorising use of their address must also provide a valid form of identification.
NOTE!If you are in possession of a TIN and would like to make a change to your tax information (name, address, etc), kindly contact the Registration Unit or visit GRA’s Office to make those changes. You are not required to re-apply for a TIN Certificate to facilitate any change to your tax data.
