URA gives deadline for taxpayers to align TINs with NINs and BRNs

The authority has also urged taxpayers to complete the process early to avoid disruptions when accessing tax services after the July 2026 deadline.

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced a nationwide update of taxpayer registration records in a move aimed at strengthening tax administration, improving compliance and aligning taxpayer information with national identification systems.

Under the new directive, which takes effect on July 1, 2026, all taxpayers will be required to replace existing Tax Identification Number (TIN) registration details with either a National Identification Number (NIN) for individuals or a Business Registration Number (BRN) for companies and other non-individual entities.

The exercise is being implemented in accordance with Section 4 of the Tax Procedures Code Act, which empowers URA to maintain accurate and updated taxpayer records.

The tax body said the changes are part of broader efforts to streamline taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication in records and enhance efficiency in revenue collection and service delivery.

Besides linking TINs to national and business registration systems, taxpayers will also be required to update active telephone contacts, physical business addresses, nature of business operations and any other outdated registration details.

URA warned that taxpayers who fail to update their information will face restrictions when accessing services on the URA online portal.

“Taxpayers whose registration information is not updated will first be required to update their details before carrying out any transaction on the URA web portal,” the authority said in a notice issued yesterday.

The development is expected to affect millions of individual taxpayers, businesses, companies and informal sector operators currently registered with URA.

Tax experts say the integration of TINs with NINs and BRNs could help government strengthen tracking of taxpayers and reduce cases of tax fraud, multiple registrations and non-compliance.

The move also comes at a time when government is intensifying efforts to widen the tax base and increase domestic revenue collection to finance public expenditure and reduce reliance on external borrowing.

In recent years, URA has increasingly adopted digital systems and data integration technologies to improve tax administration, including linking taxpayer records with information from banks, telecom companies and other government agencies.

Analysts say the latest requirement is likely to improve transparency and accuracy in taxpayer records, especially among small businesses and individuals whose details may have changed over time.

However, some business operators have previously raised concerns about the challenges of updating records, especially for small enterprises in rural areas with limited internet access or incomplete documentation.

URA has advised taxpayers to update their information by logging into their TIN accounts through the authority’s online portal or by visiting the nearest URA office for physical assistance.

The authority has also urged taxpayers to complete the process early to avoid disruptions when accessing tax services after the July 2026 deadline.