The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reminded employers of labour in the state that January 31, 2026 is the statutory deadline to file their 2025 annual tax returns, reinforcing that non‑compliance will attract sanctions under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025.
The tax agency said employers must file detailed returns and remit all applicable taxes due for the 2025 financial year before the deadline.
Filing annual tax returns is a legal obligation for employers under Section 14 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, which requires detailed returns on emoluments, compensation, and payments to service providers, vendors and consultants.
This obligation helps authorities track revenue, support fiscal planning and ensure compliance with tax laws in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.
The LIRS has phased out manual submissions and now mandates that all filings be made through the LIRS eTax platform, a secure and user‑friendly electronic system designed to streamline tax compliance and reduce administrative bottlenecks for businesses.
In its statement, the LIRS, led by Executive Chairman Dr. Ayodele Subair, emphasised that employers must file returns outlining all emoluments paid to employees, including taxes deducted and remitted to relevant authorities. Returns must also account for payments made to consultants, vendors and other service providers during the 2025 financial year.
Dr. Subair warned that failure to meet the January 31 deadline would result in statutory sanctions, including administrative penalties, as prescribed under the new tax law. He urged businesses to treat timely and accurate filing as a core compliance responsibility.
The LIRS reiterated that electronic filing via the eTax portal is the only accepted method for submitting returns, and employers are advised to ensure that the Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) for each employee is correctly included to avoid processing delays.
For businesses operating in Lagos, meeting the January 31 deadline is critical to avoid penalties and maintain legal compliance.
Late filing or inaccurate returns can lead to financial costs and regulatory scrutiny, which may disrupt operations and affect investor confidence, especially among small and medium enterprises that already face tight margins.
Accurate and timely tax filings also support Lagos State’s fiscal planning, enabling more reliable revenue tracking that underpins public services and infrastructure investments in urban areas.
Compliance reinforces the credibility of financial reporting and strengthens the relationship between the private sector and tax authorities.
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service’s reaffirmation of the January 31, 2026 deadline for 2025 tax returns urges employers to act promptly and use the eTax platform to file accurate returns.
Businesses that prioritise compliance can avoid penalties, contribute to fiscal stability and support broader economic growth in Lagos. Employers are encouraged to prepare their filings ahead of the deadline and double‑check employee Tax IDs to ensure seamless processing.
