2026 Tax Filing Deadline: Taiwo Oyedele Mandates March 31 Deadline
Nigeria 2026 tax filing deadline has officially been reaffirmed as Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, issues a firm directive reminding all income earners of their legal obligation to file annual tax returns. According to the advisory, every individual earning income in Nigeria must submit personal tax returns on or before March 31 2026, even if their taxes are already deducted at source through the Pay As You Earn system. The announcement underscores a major shift in fiscal accountability, placing the final responsibility for tax compliance squarely on the individual rather than the employer.
Oyedele explained that while employers are required to deduct and remit taxes monthly, this does not exempt employees from filing their annual returns. The filing process allows tax authorities to reconcile income records accurately, especially as more Nigerians earn from multiple sources including freelance work, investments, and digital side businesses. Under the ongoing tax reforms, self assessment is no longer optional but a core pillar of the government’s revenue transparency framework.
The 2026 tax calendar introduces clearly defined deadlines for both employers and individuals, with penalties attached to non compliance.
Employers are required to file annual returns for all employees by January 31. This includes complete documentation of salaries paid and taxes remitted in the previous year.
Individuals including public servants, private sector employees, self employed professionals, and freelancers must file their personal tax returns by March 31 through their respective State Internal Revenue Service or the FCT Internal Revenue Service.
Missing these deadlines may result in financial and legal consequences.
The new tax reforms introduce several reliefs and exemptions that can only be accessed through proper filing. One of the most significant changes is the increase in the tax free income threshold to 800000 naira annually. This means the first portion of earnings up to that amount is exempt from tax.
Other benefits available only through filing include rent relief of up to 20 percent capped at 500000 naira, full deductions for pension National Health Insurance Scheme and National Housing Fund contributions, as well as life assurance premium reliefs.
Filing also gives taxpayers the opportunity to identify over deductions made during the year and apply for tax refunds or credits. This process is now being streamlined through digital platforms under the evolving Nigeria Revenue Service framework.
Oyedele has warned that the government is ending the era of weak enforcement. With the integration of National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers into the tax system, authorities can now monitor income flows and financial activity more effectively.
Individuals who fail to file their tax returns face a fine of 100000 naira for the first month of default and an additional 50000 naira for each subsequent month.
Beyond monetary penalties, the absence of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate can delay or completely block visa processing, access to government contracts, and approval of bank loans.
As the March 31 deadline approaches, taxpayers are advised to adopt digital record keeping and ensure their Tax Identification Number is active. All income sources including salaries dividends interest and digital asset earnings should be accurately documented before filing.
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Speaking recently, Oyedele described taxation as a shared civic responsibility, noting that filing tax returns helps government planning for infrastructure healthcare and national security. He stressed that compliance is no longer limited to corporate entities but applies equally to salaried workers and entrepreneurs alike.
As Nigeria moves deeper into its 2026 fiscal reform agenda, the message is clear. Filing your tax return is mandatory, unavoidable, and essential to participating fully in the nation’s economic system.