Taiwo Oyedele Explains: The March 31 Deadline – Why Every Nigerian Individual Must File Tax Returns

As we navigate the implementation of the 2026 Tax Reforms, I want to emphasize a critical aspect of our civic responsibility and financial hygiene: The Filing of Annual Tax Returns. Under the law, every individual earning income in Nigeria is required to file their personal income tax returns for the preceding year (2025) by March 31, 2026.

This is not merely a formality; it is the primary way we ensure the system is fair, transparent, and that you are only paying what you rightfully owe.

1. The Two Key Deadlines

It is important to distinguish between the two categories of taxpayers:

Employers (Form H1): The deadline for employers to file their annual returns was January 31. This covers the PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn) remitted on behalf of staff throughout 2025.
Individuals (Form A): Every individual taxpayer—including employees, freelancers, and business owners—has until March 31 to file their personal returns.

2. LIRS Extension Alert

For those in Lagos State, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has recently announced an extension for the filing of annual returns to February 7, 2026. This extension provides much-needed relief for employers and individuals to consolidate their records without facing penalties.

3. "Filing" vs. "Paying"

A common misconception is that you only need to file if you owe tax. Even if you are an employee under a PAYE scheme, or if your income falls below the ₦800,000 exempt threshold, you should still file. Filing creates a documented history of your income, which is often required for bank loans, visa applications, and government contracts. It is your ultimate 'Proof of Compliance'.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Late filing attracts penalties and interest. More importantly, it can trigger a full tax audit by the NRS. With the new digital integration, the system can automatically flag non-compliant profiles. My advice is to file early, file accurately, and use our Salary Calculator to verify your numbers before submission.

Note from the Chairman:

"Tax compliance is not a burden to be avoided, but a contribution to the infrastructure and services that benefit us all. By filing your returns, you are helping us build a more predictable and equitable economy for every Nigerian."