The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), has officially reaffirmed that January 31, 2026, is the statutory deadline for all employers operating in Lagos State to file their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year. This annual filing obligation is a key part of corporate tax compliance and is backed by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 (NTAA).
Legal Basis and Statutory Requirement
In a statement issued by the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Dr. Ayodele Subair, the agency reminded employers that the requirement to file annual tax returns is not optional but a mandatory legal obligation under the NTAA 2025.
The returns must capture comprehensive details of all payments made during the 2025 financial year, including:
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Emoluments and compensation paid to employees,
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Payments to vendors, consultants, and service providers,
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Confirmation that all applicable taxes due have been fully remitted.
Section 14 of the NTAA specifically mandates that employers must submit detailed annual returns on salaries and wages paid, as well as the corresponding taxes withheld and remitted to relevant tax authorities, not later than January 31 each year.
Electronic Filing Only: LIRS eTax Platform
LIRS has emphasised that electronic filing via its eTax portal is the only approved method for submitting annual tax returns for the 2025 assessment year. Manual submissions have been completely phased out to streamline tax administration, improve data accuracy, and enhance compliance.
Employers are required to file exclusively through the portal at https://etax.lirs.net
The agency described the eTax platform as secure, user-friendly, and accessible 24/7. It allows companies to log in, input mandatory data, and submit returns efficiently, reducing delays associated with traditional paper filings.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
LIRS has warned that failure to meet the January 31 deadline will attract statutory sanctions and administrative penalties as prescribed under the NTAA 2025. These penalties are intended to enforce discipline in the tax system and ensure that employers meet their civic obligations in a timely manner.
According to LIRS, compliance should be a routine part of business practice, helping both the taxpayer and the state in effective fiscal planning and revenue tracking.
Why Timely Filing Matters
Timely and accurate tax return filing is crucial for several reasons:
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Legal compliance: Meeting statutory deadlines keeps employers on the right side of the law.
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Fiscal planning: Accurate data supports the Lagos State government’s budgetary and development plans.
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Business reputation: Compliance builds trust with stakeholders and avoids potential disruptions from regulatory action.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers should ensure that the Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), of all employees are correctly captured in their filings. Employees without a TIN must generate one promptly to avoid delays or errors during submission.
In addition, employers are urged to file early rather than waiting until the last minute to avoid potential system congestion or errors that could jeopardise compliance.
Conclusion
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service’s reaffirmation of the January 31, 2026 deadline for 2025 tax returns underscores the importance of compliance within the state’s tax regime.
Backed by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, this deadline promotes transparency, accountability, and enhanced revenue mobilisation—critical elements for Lagos State’s economic growth and sustainable governance. Employers are advised to leverage the eTax platform to ensure accurate, complete, and timely submission of their annual tax returns.
