How to get a TPIN in Malawi
Register with the Malawi Revenue Authority for free on Msonkho Online: create the account, fill the seven tabs, track your application number and log in once your TPIN is approved.
- Cost: free
- ID: National ID
- Help: 672 toll free
Quick answer: A TPIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is your tax number with the Malawi Revenue Authority. Anyone running a business, as an individual or a company, must register, and registration is free. Apply online on Msonkho Online: create an account under TIN Application, fill in your details, attach a scan of your National ID (foreigners use a passport or Immigration Permit) and submit. MRA emails an Application Reference Number, checks your documents and issues the TPIN. You can also register at any MRA office.
Start here
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What you need before you start
MRA recommends Google Chrome for Msonkho Online.
Have these ready
- An email address you can open: every step sends a link or a number there.
- Your National ID and a scan or clear photo of it. MRA says all Malawian citizens must use the National ID; passports are only for foreign nationals. No ID yet? See our National ID guide.
- Your address: building, house number, street and town where you do business.
- Details of the business or occupation: what you do, your role and your expected gross receipts or turnover.
Create your Msonkho Online account
From MRA’s guide to creating a Msonkho Online account.
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Open TIN Application
Go to mra.mw, find the Msonkho Online Applications box and click TIN Application (it opens msonkho-online.mra.mw). Click Register Now.
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Fill your basic details and confirm your email
Fill the short form (fields with an asterisk are required) and submit. Msonkho Online emails you a confirmation link: click it to activate the account. Not in your inbox? Check the junk or spam folder.
Fill in the TIN application
Log in under TIN Application with your email and password, then work through the tabs, clicking Next on each (MRA).
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Personal details
Category of individual, title, names, gender, marital status, date and place of birth, nationality, country of residence and the reason you are applying for a TPIN.
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Contacts and address
Your phone and email (the first one is the main contact), then the address of your business: type, building, house number, street, town. Click Update, then Next.
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Identification and occupation
Your National ID number, issue and expiry dates and place of issue. Then your trade or business: status, role, gross receipts and turnover.
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Attachments, summary, submit
Attach the scan of your ID (+Choose, then Add). Check everything on the Summary tab and click Submit. MRA emails you an Application Reference Number (ARN): keep it.
Track your application and get your TPIN
An MRA Approving Officer checks your details and documents before issuing the number.
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Check the status
Log in under TIN Application, click Check Application Status, enter your ARN and click Submit.
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Approval
Once the officer is satisfied, you are a registered taxpayer and MRA issues your TPIN. MRA does not publish how long this takes; call 672 if it seems stuck.
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Switch to Taxpayer Login
Now register again under Taxpayer Login (msonkho-online.mra.mw): Register Now, fill the form, confirm the email link. With that login you update your profile, file returns and handle your taxes online.
Why it is worth it: with a TPIN and your taxes in order, MRA can issue a Tax Clearance Certificate, which you need to bid for public tenders. Running a shop or office? You also need a council business licence.
Contact MRA
Prefer to do it in person? Registration is also free at any MRA office.
- Toll free
- 672
- [email protected]
- Head office
- Msonkho House, Private Bag 247, Blantyre
MRA links
TPIN FAQ
How much does a TPIN cost in Malawi?
Nothing. MRA says registration for taxes is free, online or at an MRA office.
Can I apply for a TPIN online?
Yes, on Msonkho Online: open TIN Application on mra.mw, create an account, fill the application and submit.
What documents do I need for a TPIN?
Malawians need their National ID; foreign nationals use a passport or Immigration Permit. You attach a scan of the ID.
Is TIN the same as TPIN?
Yes. MRA’s pages use both names for the Taxpayer Identification Number.
How do I check my TPIN application?
Log in under TIN Application, click Check Application Status and enter the Application Reference Number MRA emailed you.
What is MRA’s phone number?
672, toll free. Email [email protected].
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