In a move to simplify tax processes and improve the overall experience for taxpayers across Nigeria, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has introduced a new Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code, *829#.
This innovative tool is designed to enhance the ease of doing business, allowing users to access vital tax services directly from their mobile phones without requiring an internet connection.
The launch was announced during the 2024 Customer Service Week, themed “Above and Beyond,” at the FIRS headquarters in Abuja.
The USSD code aims to make tax-related services more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or without consistent internet access.
What the *829# Code Offers
The *829# USSD code is a robust tool that allows taxpayers to perform various important tasks directly from their mobile phones. Without the need for an internet connection, users can:
Retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): This feature is especially useful for individuals or businesses that have misplaced or forgotten their TIN. With a simple dial of the code, users can retrieve this critical piece of information instantly.
Verify Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC): Taxpayers can now confirm the validity of their TCCs in real-time, helping them stay compliant and avoid unnecessary delays in tax-related processes.
Access information on tax types and rates: For those who need quick details about the taxes applicable to their business or personal income, the USSD code provides instant information about various tax categories and their corresponding rates.
Locate the nearest FIRS office: If physical assistance is needed, taxpayers can use the *829# code to find the nearest FIRS office, making in-person consultations easier.
Get answers to general tax-related inquiries: The platform also serves as a customer support tool, offering answers to common tax-related questions and helping users navigate Nigeria’s complex tax system with greater ease.
These services are available to anyone with a mobile phone, eliminating the need for internet access and ensuring that taxpayers, whether in busy urban centers or remote areas, can stay connected to FIRS services.
How This Enhances the Taxpayer Experience
This new initiative marks Nigeria’s entry into a select group of African nations that have adopted USSD platforms to simplify tax payments and services.
The FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, highlighted the importance of this development, explaining that the code is designed to make tax administration more efficient and transparent.
With this technological leap, FIRS aims to reach all taxpayers across the country and improve voluntary tax compliance.
By eliminating barriers like internet dependency, the *829# code democratizes access to tax services, ensuring that everyone can engage with FIRS no matter their location or technical capability.
The Customer-Centric Approach
In addition to launching the USSD code, FIRS introduced the Customer Centricity Guide. This handbook outlines the agency’s approach to delivering tax services, placing taxpayers at the center of their operations. It emphasizes respect, professionalism, and efficiency in every interaction with taxpayers.
This guide serves as a reminder that taxpayers are not just clients but valued partners in the nation-building process. Through the combination of the *829# USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide, FIRS is reinforcing its commitment to providing high-quality service, fostering trust, and encouraging voluntary tax compliance.
Nnenna Akajemeli, the National Coordinator of Servicom, praised FIRS’s efforts, noting that initiatives like the USSD code are critical in simplifying tax processes and improving the quality of service. By focusing on the needs of taxpayers and delivering exceptional service, FIRS is setting a standard for public service in Nigeria.
Real-World Impact on Taxpayers
For businesses and individuals alike, the introduction of the *829# USSD code represents a significant step forward.
Tax compliance in Nigeria can often be a complex and time-consuming process, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and individuals who may not have the resources to navigate the system.
With the *829# code, the burden of managing tax documentation is reduced. The ease of retrieving TINs and verifying TCCs means that businesses can focus on their core operations, knowing that their tax affairs are in order.
Similarly, individuals can feel more confident in their tax compliance without the need to visit physical offices or go through cumbersome paperwork.
The ability to access real-time tax information also ensures that taxpayers are well-informed about the taxes they owe, reducing the risk of non-compliance due to misinformation or confusion about tax rates.
