The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria started on February 4, 1982 as Association of Tax Administrators and Practitioners. Thereafter, it transformed into Nigeria Institute of Taxation, which was formally launched on February 21, 1982 and statutorily recognized on May 6, 1987 as company Limited by Guarantee. The Institute was chartered by the Federal Government of Nigeria by the enabling Act No. 76 of 1992 (now CITN Act, CAP C10, Vol. 2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) and was charged with the responsibility, among others, of determining what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become a professional Tax Practitioner or Administrator.

There are two main classes of membership of the Institute at the moment. These are Fellows and Associates

Associates who wish to advance to fellowship may do so by submitting an acceptable these and then satisfying the council that his/her work has been closely connected with and of direct relevance to Nigeria Taxation for an unbroken period of at least five (5) years prior to such application as fellow. In the alternative, a total qualifying period of at least five (5) years prior to such application may be considered if it falls within a period not exceeding ten (10) years immediately prior to such application for admission as a fellow.

In accordance with the Charter and Rules and Regulations of the Institute, a person is admitted as an associate member on application, if he/she is a graduate member of the Institute and has acquired the relevant tax experience or has completed any of the recognized examinations of the Institute. Members of other professional bodies are admitted after they have served a specific period either in tax practice and administration. DESIGNATORY LETTERS Every member of the Institute having been admitted at appropriate level is entitled to use the following designatory letters after his/her name.