By Esther Agbo
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has introduced a new USSD code, *829#, allowing citizens to handle tax-related matters via their mobile phones without the need for internet access.
The FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, unveiled the USSD code during the agency’s Customer Service Week at the Revenue House in Abuja, with the theme “Above and Beyond,” marking another milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to simplify tax administration and improve service delivery.
This initiative places Nigeria among the few African nations, becoming the sixth country on the continent to adopt the USSD code for simplifying tax processes.
More than just a tool for simplifying payments, the *829# code offers taxpayers across all mobile networks real-time access to essential tax services.
This includes the ability to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax rates and types, locate the nearest FIRS office, and seek answers to general tax inquiries.
The system is designed to cater to users from both urban centres and remote areas, ensuring a seamless connection between the FIRS and taxpayers, regardless of their location.
Adedeji emphasised the significance of this step towards modernising the country’s tax infrastructure.
He noted that the introduction of the USSD code not only streamlines tax processes but also demonstrates the FIRS’ dedication to creating a tax system that is both efficient and transparent.
He said, “With the *829# USSD code, taxpayers now have the power to: retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number, verify their Tax Clearance Certificate, 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.”
In addition to the USSD code, the FIRS also launched its “Customer Centricity Guide,” a comprehensive booklet outlining the agency’s commitment to taxpayer service.
The guide emphasises professionalism, and efficiency, positioning taxpayers as essential partners in the nation’s development.
Adedeji called on taxpayers to embrace the new technological tools, assuring that the agency remains open to feedback to further improve service delivery, stating, “Equally important is the unveiling of the Customer Centricity Guide.
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.
“The guide serves as a reminder to us all that the taxpayer is not just a client but a valued partner in nation-building. Through the combination of the *829# USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide, we are reinforcing a culture of service excellence and making tax compliance not just a duty but an experience that fosters trust and voluntary participation.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I encourage everyone to make full use of the *829# service and embrace the Customer Centricity Guide. Your feedback will be crucial as we continue to enhance these services and meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers.”