Introduction
In Botswana, the Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier assigned to individuals, businesses, and other entities for tax purposes. Administered by the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), the TIN is essential for ensuring compliance with tax regulations, facilitating tax filings, and conducting business transactions. All information provided in this guide is verified from official BURS sources and trusted government publications.
Tax Identification Number Types
Official TIN Types in Botswana
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Issued by BURS to all taxpayers, including individuals, companies, and other entities.
- Trader Identification Number (TIN): Assigned to importers, exporters, and clearing agents engaged in customs-related activities.
Applicability
- Individuals: Citizens and residents earning taxable income are required to obtain a TIN.
- Businesses and Legal Entities: All registered companies, partnerships, trusts, and NGOs must acquire a TIN for tax obligations.
- Importers and Exporters: Entities involved in cross-border trade must obtain a Trader Identification Number from BURS’s Customs & Excise Division.
TIN Format and Structure
TIN Format
Under the Lekgetho Live tax management system, TINs in Botswana follow specific formats:
- Individuals (Citizens): TINs consist of the letter ‘I’ followed by the individual’s Omang (national ID 9-digits) number.
- Companies: TINs begin with ‘CO’ followed by a unique sequence of numbers.
- Other Entities (Non-citizens, NGOs, Trusts): System-generated TINs starting with ‘BW-TIN-‘ followed by a unique identifier(11-digits).
Structure Breakdown
- Prefix: Indicates the entity type (e.g., ‘I’ for individuals, ‘CO’ for companies).
- Identifier: A unique sequence of numbers assigned to the taxpayer.
- Suffix (if applicable): May include additional characters for validation or classification purposes.
Issuing Authority and Registration Process
Issuing Authority
The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) is the official body responsible for issuing TINs.
Registration Process
Eligibility Requirements
- Individuals: Citizens and residents earning more than BWP 48,000 annually must register for a TIN.
- Businesses: All registered entities conducting business activities in Botswana are required to obtain a TIN.
Required Documents
- Individuals:
- Completed BURS 1 form.
- Certified copy of Omang (for citizens) or passport and residence/work permits (for non-citizens).
- Businesses:
- Completed BURS 1 form.
- Certificate of incorporation or registration.
- Company resolution or power of attorney (if applicable).
Application Process
- Online Registration:
- Visit the BURS eServices Portal.
- Create an account and complete the TIN application form.
- Upload the required documents and submit the application.
- Offline Registration:
- Obtain the BURS 1 form from any BURS office.
- Complete the form and attach the necessary documents.
- Submit the application in person at a BURS office.
Processing Time and Fees
- Processing Time: Typically 5–10 business days.
- Fees: No fee for self-registration; agents may charge a service fee.
TIN Verification and Lookup
To verify a TIN, individuals and businesses can utilize the BURS eServices Portal:
- Online Verification:
- Access the BURS eServices Portal.
- Navigate to the TIN verification section.
- Enter the TIN and submit the query to confirm its validity.
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TIN and VAT Number Connection
In Botswana, the TIN also serves as the VAT registration number for entities registered for VAT.
VAT Number Format
- Format: The VAT number mirrors the TIN assigned to the entity.
- Usage: Businesses must display their VAT number on all tax invoices and official documents.
This integration simplifies tax administration and ensures consistency across tax-related processes.
Why Accurate TIN Validation Matters
Ensuring your TIN’s accuracy is critical for businesses and individuals in Botswana. 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
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