April 1, 2021, saw the replacement of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Ghana card Personal Identification Number (Ghana card PIN).
The replacement of the TIN with the Ghana Card PIN, as noted by government agencies such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Identification Authority (NIA), is to provide each Ghanaian a unique identifier for all transactions where the identification of an individual is required.
Aside serving as a unique identifier, Ghanaians with the Ghana Card PIN can make tax payments, register companies with the Registrar-General’s Department (RGD), process customs related transactions on the ICUMS platform, among others.
Despite the mass education carried out prior to the commencement of usage of the Ghana Card, majority of the Ghanaian populace still have some questions concerning the relevance of the card and its need especially for tax purposes.
In this piece, norvanreports provides you with all the answers to the most frequently asked questions concerning the Ghana Card.
Read the following:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – SWTICH FROM TIN TO GHANA CARD PIN
These question and answers have been grouped into five key areas and range from using the Ghana Card for tax transaction.
The questions have been grouped into five sections
A. Questions about the Ghana card
B. General questions on the switch from TIN to Ghana card PIN
C. Questions about using the Ghana card for tax administration
D. Questions about using the Ghana card in place of TIN at other (non-GRA) institutions
E. Other questions
A. General questions about the Ghana Card
- What is the Ghana card?
The Ghana Card is a national identity card that is issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA) toGhanaian citizens (residents and non-residents), as well as foreign national legally/permanentlyresiding in Ghana.
2. Where can I get a Ghana card?
Currently, you can register for a Ghana card in person at a designated GRA office or at an NIA registration center.
(1) GRA offices: Currently the National Identification Authority has set up desks at 14 GRA offices across the country so that taxpayers visiting these offices can apply for and obtain a Ghana card on site. Over the next months, NIA desks will be set up at more GRA offices. The 14 co-location sites are:
- TIN Centre, Registrar General’s Department
- TIN Centre, Customs Long room, Tema
- Spintex Taxpayer Service Centre
- Adabraka Taxpayer Service Centre
- Tema Taxpayer Service Centre 1
- Koforidua Taxpayer Service Centre
- Cape Coast Taxpayer Service Centre
- Takoradi Taxpayer Service Centre
- Asokwa Taxpayer Service Centre
- Sunyani Taxpayer Service Centre
- Ho Taxpayer Service Centre
- Tamale Taxpayer Service Centre
- Boloatanga Taxpayer Service Centre
- Wa Taxpayer Service Centre
(2) NIA Registration Centre: You can register for a Ghana card at an NIA registration Centre near you. To locate an NIA Registration Centre near you, please visit www.nia.gov.gh
3. What do I need to bring with me to get a Ghana card?
To obtain a Ghana card, you will be required to present one of the following verification documents:
- Birth certificate
- Ghanaian passport
- Certificate of acquired citizenship.
Additionally, you will need to provide the following information
- Name of taxpayer
- Date and place of birth
- Residential address
- Digital address code
- Parents’ Names
- Parents’ date and place of birth
- Parents’ residential address
- Spouse’s Name
- Spouse’s date and place of birth
- Spouse’s residential address
If you choose to register for a Ghana card at one of the designated GRA offices, you should also bring along your TIN so that GRA staff can immediately match your new Ghana card PIN to your TIN.
4. How soon do I have to get a Ghana Card?
You should get your Ghana card as soon as possible. From the 1st January 2022, you will not be able to access taxpayer information or carry out tax transactions without a Ghana card PIN.
5. I am an expatriate/non-resident. Do I need a Ghana card?
Yes, expatriates should apply for a non-citizen Ghana card.
B. Switch from TIN to Ghana Card PIN
There are announcements that from 1st April 2021, the Ghana Card Personal Identification Number (PIN) will replace the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). What does this mean?
From April 1st, individual taxpayers will be asked to present their Ghana card personal identification number (PIN) to carry out tax transactions at GRA. The Ghana card PIN will replace the TIN on all forms, returns or schedules used at GRA.
Taxpayers who already have a Ghana card can walk into any GRA office and have their Ghana card PIN matched to their TIN. Taxpayers who do not yet have a Ghana card will need to obtain one by December 31st, 2021. Individuals who would like to register as taxpayers for the first time will be required to present a Ghana card PIN.
7. Why is the Ghana Card PIN replacing TIN?
The replacement of the existing TIN with the Ghana card PIN is in line with Government’s policy to use one unique identifier for all government transactions for which identification of an individual is required.
8. Will all taxpayers be required to use the Ghana card PIN for their tax transactions?
All individual taxpayers will be required to replace their TIN with their Ghana card PIN. Only companies and organizations will continue to register for and use TINs for tax transactions.
C. Using my Ghana Card for tax administration
9. I have a Ghana card. How do I replace my TIN with the Ghana card PIN?
There are two ways to replace your TIN with the Ghana card PIN.
At a GRA office: Take your TIN and Ghana card PIN to any GRA office or Taxpayer Service Center and have one of our staff match your TIN to your Ghana card PIN. Once the match is complete, you can use your Ghana card PIN for all tax transactions.
Through the GRA self-service portal: You can visit the online self-service portal on the GRA website www.gra.gov.ghto match your TIN to your Ghana Card PIN yourself.
10. I have multiple TINs. Do I need to link each TIN to my Ghana PIN?
Yes, you will need to link each TIN to your Ghana card PIN. To do this, you can take allyour TIN cards to a GRA office and have one of our staff help you, or you can use the GRA self-service portal to do so yourself.
11. All my taxpayer data is stored under my TIN. What will happen to that data and how do I make sure the data is accurately stored under my Ghana card PIN?
Once your TIN has been matched to your Ghana card PIN, all the data stored under your TIN will be stored under your Ghana card PIN.
12. Will my taxpayer office change once I switch from TIN to Ghana card PIN?
Your taxpayer office will not change.
13. I am an expatriate/non-resident. Do I also need to get a Ghana card to complete tax transactions?
Yes, you will need a Ghana card to complete tax transactions. You can obtain a non-citizen Ghana card.
14. I need to register for my taxes as soon as is possible, but I do not have a Ghana card. What should I do?
You can visit one of 14 designated GRA offices to register for a Ghana Card and fulfill your tax obligations.
D. Using my Ghana card at different institutions
15. My TIN is used at institutions other than GRA. After April 1st, will I still be able to use my TIN at these institutions?
Some institutions have historically required you to present a TIN in order to conduct business. Once you have matched your Ghana card PIN to your TIN, you should begin to use the Ghana card PIN at these institutions. These institutions will be able to verify your Ghana card PIN through the GRA integration portal.
16. Will third parties be able to verify myGhana card PIN?
Yes, third parties will be able to verify your Ghana card PIN by accessing the GRA Integration Portal. This portal allows them to confirm your Ghana card PIN and see that it is matched to your old TIN.
Other Questions
17. The Revenue Administration Act, Act 2016 (Act 915) gives legal backing for the TIN. Has the law been amended?
The Revenue Administration Act, (Act, 950) 201 remains unchanged. Section 10 to 12, authorizes the Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to maintain a system of Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) of people who are liable to pay tax to the state.
Similarly, the National Identification Authority Act, 2016 Act 707, NIA Act 950, NIR Acts 2008 and 2017 establish the NIA with the primary objective to create, maintain, provide and promote the use of national identity cards in order to advance economic, political and social activities in the country.
The National Identity Register Regulation 2012, L2111 states that the card shall be used for the payment of taxes, among other directives.
Thus, the Commissioner-General is still maintaining a system of TIN of people who are liable to pay tax to the state. What is new is the use of the Ghana Card Number as the TIN for individuals.
18. How is the switch from TIN to GUIN beneficial to the taxpayer?
It will reduce the need to maintain multiple identification cards and numbers and allow for a more seamless harmonization of taxpayer information across agencies. The change will result in reduced turnaround time and reduced face-to-face interaction with tax officers.