The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has reaffirmed that employers must file their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year by January 31, 2026.
The agency cautioned that noncompliance with the deadline could result in statutory penalties
In a statement, the agency’s chairman, Dr. Ayodele Subair, reminded employers of labour across the state that the deadline was established under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, which mandates the filing of detailed tax returns for all employee emoluments, compensation, and related payments.
Subair said the returns must include comprehensive information on earnings paid to employees and contractors, as well as confirmation that all applicable taxes for 2025 have been fully remitted to the appropriate authorities.
He stressed that filing annual returns is a legal obligation, not an optional exercise under the new tax law.
“Employers must prioritise the timely filing of their annual income tax returns.
Compliance should be part of our everyday business practice,” Subair said in the statement.
He added that early and accurate submissions support effective revenue tracking, which is crucial for Lagos State’s fiscal planning and sustainability.
The LIRS reiterated that electronic filing via the LIRS eTax platform is the only approved method for submitting returns, as manual filings have been completely phased out.
Employers are urged to ensure all employee Tax Identification Numbers are correctly included in their submissions.
Officials said failure to comply with the Jan. 31 deadline could result in administrative sanctions, including fines and other penalties outlined in the tax law.
