The federal government has urged Nigerians to take their tax obligations seriously by ensuring timely submission of annual tax returns, stressing that compliance is mandatory for both employers and individual taxpayers
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, made the call during an online capacity-building session organised in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board, which targeted human resource professionals, payroll officers, chief financial officers and tax managers across the country.
Speaking during the webinar, he observed that a significant number of Nigerians still fail to comply with self-assessment and annual filing requirements, despite clear provisions in existing tax laws.
He explained that employers are required to submit annual returns for their employees, including payroll projections, and warned that the deadline for compliance is fast approaching.
He also emphasised that individual taxpayers have a legal responsibility to file their own returns, noting that compliance levels remain alarmingly low nationwide.
According to him, even in states with relatively advanced tax systems, only a small fraction of eligible taxpayers submit annual returns.
Oyedele clarified that the responsibility of employees does not end with the deduction of taxes from their salaries by employers.
He noted that under both previous and current tax regimes, employees are still required to formally file their tax returns annually.
He reassured Nigerians that tax authorities at both federal and state levels are taking steps to simplify the filing process and make compliance more accessible.
“I’m sure the tax authorities, joint revenue boards, and various state internal revenue services are working on how to make this process simpler and easier. All of us must file our returns, including those earning low income. You must file returns by 31st March of the year in respect of the previous fiscal year,” Oyedele stated.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
As how now
This government is taking from Nigerians