The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has officially opened its annual tax return season, unveiling a major reform that will see the Tax Identification Number (TIN) replaced by the National Identification Number (NIN).
The change, announced under the #LearnTaxUg campaign, is designed to simplify tax compliance and create a unified digital identification system for all Ugandans.
“Soon and very soon, your NIN will be your TIN,” URA stated on its official platforms.
The integration will enable citizens to use one identification number for taxes, payments, licenses, and other government services — streamlining access to both tax and non-tax transactions.
The reform, enacted through the Tax Procedures Amendment Bill, aligns with the government’s digital transformation agenda aimed at unifying public services, enhancing efficiency, and combating tax evasion. Under the new system, NINs issued by NIRA will serve as official tax IDs for individuals, while registered businesses will use their URSB registration numbers in place of TINs.
URA officials explained that the reform will eliminate duplicate records, simplify tax processes, and ensure easier access to payments and registrations through one centralised digital platform.
In addition, URA announced a new tax incentive for startups — businesses registered after 1 July 2025 with capital not exceeding Shs 500 million will enjoy a three-year income tax exemption. The incentive aims to encourage innovation and support the growth of Uganda’s startup ecosystem.
The TIN–NIN integration forms a key pillar of Uganda’s Vision 2040 digital economy strategy, which seeks to improve transparency, expand the tax base, and ease the compliance burden for citizens.
The announcement coincides with the official start of the 2025/2026 tax return filing season, which opened on Tuesday. URA has urged taxpayers to file their returns promptly to avoid penalties.
“Being tax compliant comes with smiles and handshakes from the taxman. File and pay your returns before the 15th of every month — we listen, we don’t judge,” the authority reminded taxpayers.
