The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has reaffirmed January 31, 2026, as the final deadline for employers operating in the state to submit their annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year.

The agency made this known in a statement issued on Thursday by its Executive Chairman, Dr Ayodele Subair, who said the obligation is firmly grounded in the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, and is compulsory for all employers of labour in Lagos State.

Dr Subair explained that employers are required to provide full and accurate details of salaries, wages, and other forms of remuneration paid to their employees during the year under review.

He noted that the returns must also include information on payments made to consultants, vendors, and other service providers engaged by the organisations.

According to him, all relevant taxes arising from these payments must be properly deducted and fully remitted to the appropriate authorities within the stipulated period.

The LIRS chairman warned that employers who fail to meet the January 31 deadline would be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the law.

“The filing of annual tax returns is not optional. It is a legal obligation, and employers who fail to comply will face statutory sanctions, including administrative penalties,” Subair stated.

He referred to Section 14 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, which mandates employers to submit annual returns of emoluments paid to employees, accompanied by proof of taxes deducted and remitted, on or before January 31 of every year.

Dr Subair urged organisations across Lagos State to institutionalise tax compliance as part of their regular business operations, stressing that timely and accurate filing plays a critical role in revenue monitoring and fiscal planning.

“Early and accurate filing ensures compliance with the law and also strengthens the state’s ability to plan and sustain its finances,” he said.

He further reiterated that all annual tax returns must be submitted solely through the LIRS eTax platform, as the service no longer accepts manual filings.

According to him, the electronic platform is secure, user-friendly, and accessible at all times, and was introduced to simplify tax administration while improving transparency and efficiency.

Employers were also advised to confirm that all their employees possess valid Tax Identification Numbers, as the absence of a TaxID could slow down or hinder the filing process.

Dr Subair encouraged employers who require guidance or additional information to visit any LIRS office or reach out through the agency’s official customer service channels for assistance.