Nigeria’s March 31 Personal Income Tax deadline is here—and it’s serving as the first major stress test for the country’s new tax system.
Workers under the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system are expected to file their annual returns by the last day of March, which is today; missing this window carries an automatic ₦100,000 fine.
But with only hours left on the clock, many taxpayers are still in the dark.
ait.live correspondent breaks down the essential steps you need to take before the midnight cutoff.
As the clock is ticking, Nigeria’s tax authorities are knocking on the door.
Whether you’re a CEO, a freelancer, a landlord, or a salary earner—if you earn income, the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 says you must file a return.
Tax reform Chief, Taiwo Oyedele has spent months debunking a myth that PAYE deductions are enough. He says they aren’t. What that means is that even if your boss deducts tax at source, you are legally required to file an annual return for verification and any extra income.
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The problem is that many are still not aware of what they need to do, and that explains the criticism that tax authorities have been receiving of not doing enough awareness
So what do you need to know?
Step one: You FILE WHERE YOU LIVE, not where you’re from. Lagos residents file at the LIRS; while Abuja residents file at the FCT-IRS.
Step two: You’ll need your TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. If you don’t have one, you are expected to link your NIN to the tax portal to generate it instantly.
Step three: State all your INCOME SOURCES. Everything counts and must be recorded, from salaries, side hustles, rent, and dividends.
So what do you stand to benefit?
The new tax laws says you can enjoy RENT RELIEF
What this means is that you can claim up to 20% of your rent or ₦500,000, whichever is lower. But you must keep your receipts.
The process of filing your returns is digital. The tax man expects you to upload your IDs, payslips, and bank statements to your state’s portal.
Failure to do this before the deadline could attract penalties. Beyond a ₦100,000 fine, the government assures that filing returns ensures you receive a Tax Clearance Certificate for loans, visas, and government contracts.
But will the portals hold up the influx? And will Nigerians, known for doing things late, beat the March 31 deadline?
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
