The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has launched an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code (*829#) to simplify and improve the tax payment process in Nigeria. The FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, announced the launch during an event at Revenue House in Abuja to mark Customer Service Week under the theme ‘Above and Beyond’.
This initiative positions Nigeria as the sixth African country to adopt a USSD code for tax payments, a step aimed at making tax-related services more accessible to all Nigerians.
According to Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, the USSD code allows taxpayers to access services such as the verification of Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC), retrieval of Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN), locating the nearest FIRS offices, and accessing information on tax rates and types. These services can now be accessed using any mobile network provider without requiring internet connectivity.
FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji emphasized that this move marks a significant milestone in creating a more efficient, transparent, and accessible tax administration system in Nigeria. He said, “With the *829# USSD code, taxpayers now have the power to retrieve their TIN, verify their TCC, access tax information, locate FIRS offices, and get answers to general tax-related inquiries. This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient and responsive to the needs of taxpayers.”
Additionally, FIRS unveiled the Customer Centricity Guide, a publication detailing tax policies, processes, and procedures in Nigeria. The guide is part of FIRS’ broader initiative to prioritize customer service, ensuring taxpayers are at the center of their operations. The guide emphasizes respect, professionalism, and efficiency in all engagements with taxpayers.
Loveth Onanuga, Director of the Taxpayers Service Department at FIRS, reiterated the agency’s focus on delivering excellent services to taxpayers, especially during Customer Service Week, noting that customers remain at the heart of FIRS operations.
This development is expected to make tax-related activities more seamless and increase compliance across the country.
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