In a groundbreaking move to make tax compliance more accessible and user-friendly for millions of Nigerians, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has officially rolled out its innovative *829# USSD code initiative. Launched on October 15, 2024, during Customer Service Week at the Revenue House in Abuja, this mobile-based service is set to transform how taxpayers interact with the tax authority without the hassle of internet access or long queues at tax offices.
Revolutionizing Taxpayer Engagement
The *829# USSD code is more than just a shortcut on your phone; it’s a comprehensive tool designed to bridge the gap between taxpayers and the FIRS. Drawing from the theme “Above and Beyond” for Customer Service Week, the initiative underscores FIRS’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency and inclusivity. Nigeria now joins the ranks as the sixth African nation to adopt a USSD-based tax administration system, marking a significant step toward digital transformation in public service delivery.
Accompanying the USSD launch is the unveiling of the Customer Centricity Guide, a practical booklet that outlines FIRS’s policies for prioritizing taxpayers with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. Together, these tools aim to foster a more responsive and taxpayer-focused tax ecosystem.
Key Features of *829#
What makes *829# stand out is its simplicity and versatility. Available on any mobile network across Nigeria, the service empowers users to handle essential tax tasks right from their basic feature phones. Here’s a breakdown of the core features:
- Retrieve Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Instantly access your unique TIN for seamless tax registration and filings.
- Verify Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC): Confirm the authenticity of your TCC in seconds, crucial for business transactions and compliance checks.
- Access Tax Information: Get quick details on various tax types, applicable rates, and filing deadlines.
- Locate Nearest FIRS Office: Find the closest tax office with directions, saving time and travel costs.
- General Tax Queries: Resolve common questions on deductions, refunds, and obligations through an interactive menu.
These features ensure that whether you’re in bustling Lagos or a remote village in the North, tax services are just a dial away.
How to Get Started: It’s as Easy as Dialing
Getting up and running with *829# couldn’t be simpler; no apps, no data bundles, and no tech savvy required. Just follow these steps:
- Grab your mobile phone (any network works — MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile).
- Dial *829#.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select your desired service (e.g., “1” for TIN retrieval).
- Enter the required details as guided, and voila, your information or transaction is processed in real-time.
Transactions are secure, and the service is free to use, though standard USSD charges from your network provider may apply. For privacy and security, FIRS emphasizes using official channels to avoid scams.
The Benefits: Why This Matters for Every Nigerian
In a country where internet penetration hovers around 50-60%, initiatives like *829# are game-changers for financial inclusion. By eliminating the need for smartphones or stable Wi-Fi, it democratizes access to tax services, particularly benefiting small business owners, rural dwellers, and low-income earners who might otherwise struggle with compliance.
The ripple effects are profound:
- Efficiency Boost: Real-time services cut down on paperwork and wait times, allowing taxpayers to focus on what matters—growing their businesses.
- Improved Satisfaction: Early feedback highlights how this reduces frustration with bureaucratic hurdles, aligning with global best practices in taxpayer service.
- Revenue Maximization: Easier compliance means broader participation, ultimately supporting national development through better revenue collection.
- Inclusivity: It promotes equity by reaching underserved populations, aligning with FIRS’s broader digital agenda.
As Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, eloquently put it during the launch: “With the *829# USSD code, taxpayers now have the power to: retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and get answers to general tax-related inquiries. Without the need for internet access, all of these services are now available with a simple mobile phone. This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers.”
Adedeji also highlighted the Customer Centricity Guide, noting: “This guide embodies our commitment to putting taxpayers at the centre of our service delivery. It outlines the principles and values that will drive our interactions with taxpayers by ensuring that every engagement is defined by respect, professionalism, and efficiency.”
Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator of Servicom, praised the move, commending FIRS for “simplifying tax processes and enhancing service quality.” Meanwhile, Loveth Onanuga, FIRS Director of Taxpayers’ Service Department, added that true customer-centricity means “exceeding expectations to deliver exceptional service.”
Looking Ahead: A Tax System for the Future
The *829# initiative is a testament to FIRS’s proactive stance in modernizing Nigeria’s tax landscape. As we move deeper into 2025, expect further enhancements, perhaps integrating more advanced features like direct payments or AI-driven advisories. For now, this launch signals a brighter, more equitable future where paying taxes feels less like a chore and more like an empowered choice.
If you’re a taxpayer, why not give *829# a spin today? Dial it up, explore the menu, and share your experience in the comments below. Have you encountered any tax hurdles that this could solve? Let’s discuss!
For official updates, visit the FIRS website or follow @FIRSNigeria on X.
