Approximately four million Sri Lankans aged 18 and above are yet to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and register with the Inland Revenue Department, Commissioner Nandana Kumara has revealed.

The Commissioner made these remarks while appearing on Ada Derana's BIG FOCUS programme.

According to the Commissioner Nandana Kumara, approximately 13 million people have already registered with the department to obtain TIN numbers, while Sri Lanka's population aged 18 and above stands at around 17 million.

He said the department has therefore identified approximately four million more individuals who need to complete the registration process.

"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.

"In the past, we made TIN registration mandatory only for several specific requirements. However, under the law, everyone who has reached the age of 18 is required to obtain a TIN number.

"There has been considerable unnecessary fear among the general public regarding this requirement, and such concerns still persist. However, not everyone registered with the Inland Revenue Department is required to pay taxes. There is no such requirement.
 

"The legal requirement has been introduced to streamline and formalise the country's tax system," the Commissioner further explained.