An unprecedented NH4I-promoted N-formylation and N-acetylization of various amines with dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylacetamide (DMA) has been developed. This protocol shows broad substrate scope for aromatic, aliphatic, and heterocyclic amines, which provides a metal-free strategy for N-acylation featuring mild reaction conditions, as well as inexpensive and readily available starting materials