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The March 31 Tax Deadline: What You Need to Know (and File) Before It's Too Late
Published on March 28, 2026
The March 31 deadline refers to the annual requirement for all taxable individuals in Nigeria to file their Personal Income Tax (PIT) returns for the previous year. For the current 2026 cycle, this deadline applies to income earned between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
Who Must File?
Under the new Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025 and related reforms, filing is now mandatory for nearly everyone earning income, including:
- Salaried Employees: Even if tax is already deducted via PAYE, you must still file a return to reconcile your total income and ensure correct payments.
- Self-Employed & Freelancers: This includes entrepreneurs, contractors, digital content creators, and anyone with multiple income streams.
- Informal Sector: Small-scale operators (e.g., traders, artisans) are now being integrated into the tax net, often through a 1% presumptive turnover tax.
- Low-Income Earners: Even if you earn below the ₦800,000 annual taxable threshold, you are required to file a "Nil Return" to stay compliant.
What Are the Penalties?
Missing the March 31 deadline triggers immediate and recurring financial penalties:
- Initial Fine: Often cited as ₦100,000 for the first month of default in some states (like Lagos) or ₦25,000 under certain federal guidelines.
- Monthly Accrual: An additional ₦5,000 to ₦50,000 applies for every subsequent month of delay.
- Interest: Commercial interest rates (approx. 10–15% annually) are applied to any unpaid tax balance.
How to File
Filing is now primarily digital and handled through state-specific portals:
- Lagos residents: Use the LIRS e-Tax portal.
- FCT residents (Abuja): File via the FCT-IRS system.
Requirements:
You will typically need your Taxpayer ID (often your NIN or BVN), proof of income (such as bank statements), and records of any taxes already paid.