How to Register for a Tax Number (TIN) with NamRA in Namibia

Employers, tender boards and funding programmes in Namibia often ask for a tax number. If you earn a salary, run a small business or rent out property, you will probably need one.

This guide shows you how to register as an individual, file your yearly return and fix the most common ITAS problems.

Who needs a tax number?

According to NamRA, you must register if you earn taxable income from a Namibian source, such as a salary, business profits, rent or investments. This includes sole traders and informal traders, who should register before they start trading. You should register once the income starts or is expected, not only when tax becomes payable.

Ignoring registration does not make the tax go away. NamRA can register you itself and add penalties and interest.

For employees, NamRA’s guidance says anyone earning more than N$100,000 a year should register and give proof of registration to their employer. Income up to N$100,000 is currently taxed at 0% (rates in force since 1 March 2024). The 2026 Budget proposed changes to the tax brackets, so check NamRA’s current rates.

What you need before you start

• your Namibian ID (or passport if you are not Namibian)
• proof of your residential address
• an email address you check regularly, because ITAS sends your activation link and approval there
• details of your income, such as your employer’s name or what your business does

Requirements can differ for businesses and special cases, so if you are unsure, phone NamRA before you go.

Online or in person?

	Online (ITAS)	In person
Where	itas.namra.org.na, any time of day	A NamRA office during office hours
Best for	People with internet access and an email address	People without reliable internet, or with complicated records
Watch out for	Typing errors in your email address or ID number	Queues during filing season

How to register online on ITAS

1. Go to itas.namra.org.na and choose the option to sign up as an e-filer.
2. Pick a username and password, enter your email address and submit.
3. Open the email from ITAS and click the activation link.
4. Sign in and accept the terms and conditions.
5. If you have never had a tax number, choose Register as a Taxpayer. If you already have one from the paper days, choose the option to link your taxpayer account instead.
6. Complete the registration form carefully and submit it.
7. Watch your email for an acknowledgement, then an approval and a notice of your filing obligations.
8. Once approved, print your tax registration certificate from ITAS and give a copy to your employer if you have one.

Registering in person

NamRA also accepts walk-in registrations and will assist people who cannot register online. Take your original ID and copies of your documents. For Kavango West residents, NamRA’s information brochure lists a Rundu office in Markus Siwarongo Street and a smaller section office in Nkurenkuru. Phone first to check what each office can do. NamRA’s call centre number is 081 959 4000.

If you need copies or scans of your documents, FDA’s studio in Nkurenkuru can print, scan and copy them for you.

Filing your individual income tax return

Namibia uses self-assessment. NamRA expects registered taxpayers to work out their taxable income and file a return each year. The tax year runs from 1 March to the last day of February, so the return filed in 2026 covers 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026.

Who	Normal deadline	2026 note
Salaried individuals	30 June	Extended to 31 August 2026 because of ITAS problems
Individuals with business or farming income	30 September	Check NamRA notices for any extension
Provisional taxpayers (income not taxed through PAYE)	First payment by end of August, second by end of February	Check NamRA notices

To file on ITAS:

1. Sign in and open the Returns section, then search your returns.
2. Select the return marked as pending and click to file it.
3. Check the pre-filled employment figures. In 2026 NamRA said employers’ PAYE certificates are pre-populated, but you must check the tax deducted appears correctly.
4. If you claim pension, retirement annuity or study policy deductions, upload the certificates from your fund administrator.
5. Tick the declaration and submit. Track the outcome under your notifications.

If your return shows “Returned for Resubmission”, read the reason, correct it and submit again.

Behind with returns or payments? NamRA’s tax amnesty runs until 31 October 2026. If you register as an e-filer, submit all outstanding returns and pay the capital owed, NamRA writes off the interest and penalties.

Getting a good standing certificate

Tenders, work permit applications, some licence renewals and SME registrations often require proof that your tax affairs are in order. You request a good standing certificate through ITAS. NamRA checks that all your returns are filed and nothing is owed. If everything is up to date, its guidance says the certificate is issued the same day, costs nothing and is valid for four months. That guidance also says certificates are collected in person, so ask your nearest office how it works now.

Common problems and how to fix them

• No activation email: check your spam folder and make sure you typed the address correctly.
• Forgotten password: try the password reset option on the sign-in page. If you no longer use the email address on your profile, contact NamRA or visit an office.
• Wrong contact details: e-filers can update contact details in ITAS. For a wrong name or ID number, visit an office with your original ID.
• Slow system: ITAS had technical problems in mid-2026. File well before the deadline.
• Refund bank details: changes to bank details usually need extra verification, so ask NamRA what to bring.

This guide is general information, not tax advice. For your own situation, speak to a registered tax practitioner or accountant, or contact NamRA.

Frequently asked questions

Is my TIN the same as my ID number?

No. Your TIN is a separate number issued by NamRA. Keep your registration certificate safe, as employers and banks may ask for it.

How long does registration take?

NamRA says complete applications can expect approval within seven working days. Missing documents or wrong details cause delays.

I earn less than N$100,000. Do I still need to register?

NamRA’s rules link registration to earning taxable income, and some employers and tenders ask for a TIN anyway. If you are unsure whether you must register or file, ask NamRA.

Can someone else register or file for me?

Yes. NamRA’s ITAS is set up for taxpayers and their representatives, such as a tax practitioner. Check anything they submit in your name.

Related guides: How to Register a Business with BIPA in Namibia · How to Apply for an NYDF Youth Loan in Namibia

Last checked: 10 October 2026. Rules, dates and fees can change, so always confirm with the official office before you apply.