LIRS Sets January 31 Deadline for 2025 Tax Returns: Employers Urged to File Early

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reminded employers across the state that January 31, 2026, is the final date to submit annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year. The announcement, made by LIRS Executive Chairman Dr. Ayodele Subair, reinforces the legal obligation under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, which mandates timely reporting and remittance of taxes.

Dr. Subair highlighted that all employers must file detailed returns covering emoluments paid to employees, as well as payments made to vendors, service providers, and consultants. He stressed that adherence to the deadline is not optional, noting that late or incomplete filings could attract statutory penalties under the new tax law.

Section 14 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025 explicitly requires annual returns to include taxes deducted and remitted to authorities. “Employers must prioritize timely and accurate filing as part of responsible business practice,” Subair said. Early compliance not only satisfies legal requirements but also supports Lagos State’s revenue tracking and fiscal planning.

LIRS has fully transitioned to electronic filing through its eTax portal, making manual submissions obsolete. The eTax system, accessible 24/7 at https://etax.lirs.net, is designed to simplify the filing process, ensuring security, efficiency, and transparency. Employers are advised to correctly capture employees’ Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), with those without TINs required to generate one promptly.

To support businesses, LIRS offers assistance through its offices and official channels. Dr. Subair encouraged employers to seek guidance where needed, emphasizing that proper use of the eTax platform ensures smooth compliance and avoids potential administrative penalties. With just weeks remaining, early action is essential to meet the January 31 deadline.

source: punch