Lagos Extends Deadline for Individual Tax Filing to April 14
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has extended the deadline for filing individual annual income tax returns by two weeks, until April 14, 2026. This move aims to give individuals more time to complete and submit accurate returns. The decision was made by Dr Ayodele Subair, the LIRS Executive Chairman, who stated that the extension is designed to provide individuals with additional time to fulfill their tax obligations.
According to Subair, the statutory deadline for filing individual annual tax returns is March 31 every year. However, he emphasized that this extension is not an excuse for laxity, and compliance with annual tax obligations should be a matter of habit. The LIRS has fully phased out manual filings, and the eTax platform is now the sole approved channel for submitting returns.
The eTax platform, accessible at etax.lirs.net, is described as secure, user-friendly, and available round the clock. Dr Subair urged filers to ensure their Tax Identification Number is correctly entered before submission. He also reiterated that electronic filing is the only approved method for submitting annual returns, and individuals must file their returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal.
In light of this development, individuals are advised to visit the LIRS eTax portal to complete and submit their returns by the new deadline of April 14, 2026.
When Dr Ayodele Subair says that compliance with annual tax obligations should be a matter of habit, that means Nigerians need to rethink their relationship with tax filing. It's not just about avoiding penalties, but about embracing a culture of responsible citizenship.
