In a move to simplify tax payments for Nigerians, The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has taken a significant step towards improving taxpayer experience with the launch of a new USSD code, *829#. This innovative technology aims to simplify the tax payment process and enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji unveiled the initiative during the agency’s Customer Service Week, themed “Above and Beyond.” The USSD code offers a convenient and accessible way for taxpayers to make payments directly from their mobile phone.
According to a statement from the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, the initiative makes Nigeria the sixth African country to deploy USSD code for simplifying tax payment processes. It stated that the new service is intended to allow taxpayers to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on various tax types and rates, find the nearest FIRS office, and get answers to general tax-related questions, all without the need for internet access.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adedeji stated that the instant messaging protocol reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to simplifying tax administration and ensuring that “every taxpayer—whether in busy cities or remote areas—can easily connect with FIRS.” He urged taxpayers to take advantage of the benefits provided by the USSD code and to use it for all their inquiries.
The FIRS chairman stated that “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.”
Beyond the USSD code, the FIRS launched the Customer Centricity Guide, a booklet emphasizing their dedication to treating taxpayers as collaborators in national development. The guide details policies and procedures ensuring respectful, professional, and efficient service, putting taxpayers at the forefront of their operations.
