LIRS Sets 31 January Deadline for 2025 Annual Tax Returns Filing
LIRS Set Deadline For Tax Return
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has officially designated 31 January 2025 as the deadline for the filing of annual tax returns by employers of labour. According to a statement released by the agency, this requirement applies to all businesses and employers operating within Lagos State, in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA).
Compliance and Statutory Requirements
The mandate requires employers to submit their returns for the 2024 year of assessment by the end of January 2025. This filing is a statutory obligation under Section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act (Cap P8 LFN 2004 as amended). According to the LIRS, the filing must be completed through the agency’s digital platform, the eTax portal, to ensure efficiency and transparency in the tax administration process.
Employers must provide detailed information regarding the total emoluments paid to their employees during the preceding year. This includes salaries, allowances, bonuses, and other taxable benefits. The LIRS Executive Chairman, Mr Ayodele Subair, emphasised that the digital transition is designed to simplify the compliance process for taxpayers and reduce the administrative burden associated with manual filings.
Digital Filing via the eTax Portal
The LIRS has directed all taxpayers and employers to utilise the eTax portal for their submissions. To complete the process, employers must ensure that all employees have a valid Lagos State Payer ID. The agency noted that the integration of the eTax system allows for real-time validation of data, ensuring that tax credits are accurately attributed to individual employees.
For businesses encountering technical difficulties, the LIRS has deployed support staff across various tax stations to provide guidance. The agency maintains that the automated system is the only approved channel for filing, and manual submissions will not be processed.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to meet the 31 January deadline will attract sanctions as stipulated by the law. The LIRS stated that defaulting employers risk a fine of ₦500,000 upon conviction for corporate entities, or ₦50,000 for individuals. Furthermore, the agency warned that continued non-compliance could lead to more severe legal actions and audits, which may disrupt business operations.
Beyond financial penalties, failure to file annual returns prevents employees from obtaining their Electronic Tax Clearance Certificates (eTCC). This document is frequently required for visa applications, government contracts, and other official transactions.
Conclusion
The 31 January deadline serves as a critical window for employers in Lagos State to regularise their tax positions and avoid unnecessary litigation. As the LIRS continues to enhance its digital infrastructure, the emphasis remains on strict adherence to the Personal Income Tax Act. For investors and business owners, early compliance is essential to maintaining a favourable regulatory standing within Nigeria’s primary economic hub.
