‎March 31 Tax Filing Nigeria

March 31 Tax Filing in Nigeria: What Every Taxpayer Must Know

The March 31 tax filing deadline in Nigeria is a crucial date every year for individual taxpayers. Nigerian tax authorities have once again reminded citizens that filing annual tax returns is mandatory, regardless of income level or employment status.

‎According to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, failure to comply with this requirement remains a major issue across the country.

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March 31 Tax Filing Deadline Explained

‎‎Under Nigerian tax laws, individual taxpayers must file their annual tax returns by March 31 of each year for the previous fiscal year. This applies to:

‎• ‎Salary earners

‎• ‎Self-employed individuals

‎• ‎Business owners

‎• ‎Low-income earners

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‎Those whose taxes are deducted at source

‎‎Oyedele stressed that tax obligations do not end with salary deductions by employers.

‎ “Many people assume that if their employer has deducted tax, they don’t need to do anything. That is wrong. You must still file your returns,” he said.

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‎‎Employer Tax Filing Deadline: January 31

‎‎While individuals have until March 31, employers are required to file their annual tax returns by January 31. This filing covers:

‎• ‎Employees’ emoluments

‎• ‎PAYE tax deductions

‎• ‎Income projections for staff

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‎Employers who miss this deadline may face penalties under Nigerian tax regulations.

Can we file an ITR after 31 March?

Yes, if you failed to file ITR within the due date, you can still file a belated return before 31st December of the relevant assessment year

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‎Low Tax Compliance in Nigeria

‎‎Oyedele revealed that tax compliance in Nigeria remains alarmingly low, even in states considered economically advanced.

‎“In many states, more than 90% of taxpayers do not file returns. Some states cannot even boast of 5% compliance,” he noted.

‎‎This poor compliance level has prompted renewed awareness campaigns and tax reforms aimed at improving participation.

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‎New Tax Reforms and Disclosure Requirements

‎‎Under recent tax reforms, taxpayers—especially businesses—must now disclose tax incentives enjoyed during the fiscal year when filing returns.

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‎If a company benefits from government tax incentives, it is now legally required to declare such benefits during tax filing or shortly afterward.

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‎Filing Taxes in Nigeria Is Getting Easier

‎‎The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to simplify the tax filing process nationwide. State Internal Revenue Services and the Joint Revenue Board are working to make compliance more accessible and less stressful for taxpayers.

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‎Why You Should File Your Tax Returns on Time

‎‎Filing your tax returns by March 31 helps you:

‎• ‎Avoid penalties and legal issues

‎• ‎Stay compliant with Nigerian tax laws

‎• ‎Support national development

‎• ‎Maintain a clean financial and tax record

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‎‎Final Reminder to Nigerian Taxpayers

‎‎All individuals—whether employed, self-employed, or earning low income—must file their tax returns on or before March 31 for the previous fiscal year. Employers, on the other hand, must meet the January 31 deadline.

‎‎Tax compliance is not optional in Nigeria. Filing your returns on time is both a legal obligation and a civic duty.