The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reiterated January 31, 2026 as the statutory deadline for all employers of labour in Lagos State to file their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, said the obligation is in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, which mandates employers to submit detailed annual returns of emoluments and taxes deducted for each assessment year.
Subair explained that employers are required to file comprehensive returns covering salaries, wages, allowances, and other forms of compensation paid to employees, as well as payments made to service providers, vendors, and consultants.
He stressed that all applicable taxes due for the 2025 year must be fully remitted alongside the filings.
According to LIRS, the filing of annual returns is a mandatory legal requirement. Employers that fail to comply by the January 31 deadline will be subject to statutory sanctions, including administrative penalties, as prescribed under the current tax framework.
Subair urged employers to prioritise early and accurate filing, noting that timely compliance supports effective revenue tracking and strengthens Lagos State’s fiscal planning and sustainability.
He added that tax compliance should be embedded as a routine business practice rather than treated as a year-end obligation.
The LIRS chairman also reminded employers that electronic filing through the LIRS eTax platform remains the only approved mode of submission, as manual filings have been completely phased out in the state.
The move, he said, is aimed at simplifying tax administration, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency.
Employers are therefore required to submit their annual tax returns exclusively via the LIRS eTax portal. Subair described the platform as secure, user-friendly, and accessible 24 hours a day, enabling employers to meet their obligations conveniently.
He further advised employers to ensure that the Tax Identification Number (TaxID) of every employee is correctly captured in their filings.
