1. Introduction
In Benin, the Tax Identification Number (TIN), locally known as the Identifiant Fiscal Unique (IFU), is a mandatory and unique identifier assigned to individuals, businesses, and legal entities for tax purposes. The IFU is essential for fulfilling tax obligations, conducting financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with the country’s tax regulations.
All information provided in this guide is 100% verified from official sources, including the General Directorate of Taxes (Direction Générale des Impôts, DGI) and the General Tax Code of Benin.
2. Tax Identification Number Types
Benin utilizes a single type of Tax Identification Number:
- Identifiant Fiscal Unique (IFU): Applicable to all taxpayers, including individuals, businesses, and legal entities.
The IFU serves as the primary tax identifier for all tax-related activities within the country.
3. TIN Format and Structure
The IFU in Benin follows a standardized format:
- Format: 13 alphanumeric characters.
Structure:
- First 2 characters: Indicate the type of taxpayer (e.g., individual, company).
- Next 9 digits: Unique sequential number assigned by the tax authority.
- Last 2 digits: Control digits for validation purposes.
This structure ensures the uniqueness and validity of each IFU assigned.
4. Issuing Authority and Registration Process
Issuing Authority
The Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI) is the official tax authority issuing the IFU in Benin. More information can be found on their official website: DGI Benin.
Registration Process
Eligibility:
- All individuals and entities engaging in taxable activities within Benin are required to obtain an IFU.
Required Documents:
- Individuals:
- Valid identification document (e.g., national ID card or passport).
- Proof of residence.
- Businesses and Legal Entities:
- Trade register reference.
- Trade register file (PDF or image format).
- Articles of association.
- Valid identification documents of company representatives.
Application Process:
- Online Registration:
- Access the IFU Online Registration Portal.
- Complete the information collection form (Fiche de collecte d’informations).
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application for processing.
- Offline Registration:
- Visit the nearest DGI office.
- Obtain and complete the IFU registration form.
- Submit the form along with the required documents.
- Await processing and issuance of the IFU.
Fees:
- The registration process for obtaining an IFU is free of charge.
5. TIN Verification and Lookup
To verify the validity of an IFU:
- Online Verification:
- Access the DGI e-Services Portal.
- Navigate to the IFU verification section.
- Enter the IFU to confirm its validity.
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6. TIN and VAT Number Connection
In Benin, the IFU also serves as the Value Added Tax (VAT) number for entities registered for VAT purposes. The VAT number follows the same format as the IFU, ensuring consistency across tax identification systems.
7. Why Accurate TIN Validation Matters
Ensuring the accuracy of your TIN is critical for both businesses and individuals in Benin. An incorrect or unverified TIN can lead to serious complications such as:
- Delays in tax processing
- Rejection of tax exemption claims
- Fines and penalties for non-compliance
- Rejection of e-invoicing submissions
- Onboarding unqualified suppliers or customers
- Data quality issues across finance and compliance systems
Using the Benin DGI e-Services Portal or TaxDo real-time global tax ID verification platform ensures accurate Tax ID validation, error reduction, and compliance with Benin tax laws.
8. Stay Compliant with TaxDo
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