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The Digest:

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the deadline for employers to file their annual tax returns by one week, moving it from February 1 to February 7, 2026. LIRS Chairman Ayodele Subair explained that while the statutory deadline is January 31 each year, the extension is intended to provide employers with additional time to submit accurate returns. The agency reiterated that filing must be done exclusively through its eTax online portal, as manual submissions are no longer accepted.

Key Points
  • The extension provides a crucial administrative relief for businesses, allowing more time to ensure accurate payroll and tax data submission.
  • It underscores the state’s push for full digital compliance, reinforcing the mandatory use of the eTax platform for all filings.
  • For the government, it represents a balance between enforcement and taxpayer facilitation, aiming to improve overall compliance rates.
  • The move highlights ongoing efforts to streamline tax administration and reduce errors associated with last-minute manual processing.
  • It signals the state's adaptive approach to meeting revenue targets while acknowledging practical challenges faced by employers.

Employers are urged to utilize the extra window to finalize their submissions accurately via the designated digital portal to avoid penalties.

Sources: Business Day