The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has given taxpayers a temporary reprieve, extending the deadline for filing individual annual tax returns to April 14, 2026. This two-week extension is intended to provide taxpayers with more time to complete their electronic submissions via the eTax platform, as manual filings have been completely phased out.
Taxpayers are advised to double-check the accuracy of their Tax Identification Number, TaxID, to avoid potential processing delays or errors. This new directive applies to all individuals earning taxable income, including salaried employees, business owners, self-employed individuals, professionals, and those operating in the informal sector.
The tax regulations require individuals to declare their total earnings for the preceding year, which in this case is January 1 to December 31, 2025, within the first 90 days of the new assessment cycle.
The extension comes after a similar adjustment earlier in the year, when the agency extended the deadline for employers' annual returns from February 1 to February 7.
Nigeria's tax administration is currently undergoing reforms, with the introduction of key legislations aimed at strengthening compliance and modernizing the country's tax system.
The LIRS's decision to extend the tax filing deadline may be seen as a welcome relief for some Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector who often struggle to navigate the complexities of tax compliance. However, it also highlights the need for a more streamlined and accessible tax system that caters to the diverse needs of taxpayers.
