Sri Lanka Delays Mandatory TIN Certificate Rule Until April 2027

COLOMBO (News 1st); Thousands of Sri Lankans have been handed a major reprieve after the government decided to postpone the mandatory submission of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates for a range of key transactions, citing an overwhelming surge in public demand for registrations and certificates.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announced that the requirement for individuals involved in eight specified transactions to submit a valid TIN certificate, which was scheduled to take effect from November 1, 2026, has now been deferred until April 1, 2027, following approval from the Ministry of Finance.

The requirement comes from Circular No. SEC/PN/IT/2026/05 issued on September 22, 2026, and is being implemented under provisions of the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017, as amended by the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026.

According to the IRD, demand for TIN certificates has risen sharply in recent weeks, extending beyond individuals directly affected by the specified transactions and spreading across the wider public. The unprecedented interest in obtaining TIN certificates prompted authorities to reconsider the implementation timeline to ease pressure on both taxpayers and administrative systems.

During the extended period, the Inland Revenue Department said it will introduce alternative and more convenient methods for registered taxpayers to obtain their TIN certificates. The department also urged individuals who have not yet registered for a TIN to do so through its online e-Services platform.