Every country has their own form of Tax ID, but they all share the same function. An organization's Tax ID is a unique number that identifies the business for tax purposes. In countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, and Tanzania, a Tax ID is called a TIN (tax identification number) whereas in the United States, it is called an EIN (employee identification number) and in Kenya it is called a PIN (personal identification number). In addition to Tax IDs, each country has its own tax registration documents that stand as proof that your business is certified with the government. While these documents will look slightly different from country to country, they all serve the same purpose. Because each country has their own way of recording tax information, it is important to know the tax laws in your country on registering a business with your national revenue service.
Ghana
Tax ID: TIN
Tax Registration Document: Certificate of Registration
In order to register your organization for a TIN in Ghana, you must first register your business with the Registrar General’s Department (RGD). Information on the company registration process can be found on the RGD Website. Once you have registered your business with the RGD, you can register your organization for a TIN at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). More information on the Ghana organization TIN process can be found on the GRA website.
Kenya
Tax ID: PIN
Tax Registration Document: Taxpayer Registration Certificate
In order to register for a PIN in Kenya, you can apply for a PIN through iTax, a portal that is part of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Make sure to have your documents in order. A list of these can be found along with other important details about the Kenya PIN process on the KRA website.
Rwanda
Tax ID: TIN
Tax Registration Document: Notice of Registration
In order to register for a TIN in Rwanda, you must physically visit a Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) office with the required documentation. Anyone who sets up a business or other activities that may be taxable is obliged to register with the Tax Administration within a period of seven (7) days from the beginning of the business, activity, or establishment of the company. More information on the Rwanda TIN process can be found on the RRA website.
Tanzania
Tax ID: TIN
Tax Registration Document: Certificate of Registration
In order to register for a Business TIN in Tanzania, you must physically visit a Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) office with the lease agreement/title deed and an introduction letter from a local Authority to collect a TIN Certificate, a provisional tax assessment and Tax Clearance. After obtaining a TIN certificate, the applicant will be required to apply for a business license. More information on the Tanzania Business TIN process can be found on the TRA website.
United States
Tax ID: EIN
Tax Registration Document: EIN Confirmation Letter
In order to register for an EIN in the United States, you can fill out the online EIN application on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website. More information about the United States EIN process can be found on the IRS website.