Tax agency urges final compliance as rising digital adoption drives last-minute extension….
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has announced a fresh extension for the filing of individual annual income tax returns, pushing the deadline to April 21, 2026.
The decision, communicated in an official statement on Friday, comes in response to increased activity on the agency’s electronic tax filing platform, which has experienced a surge in usage as more taxpayers rush to meet compliance requirements.
According to LIRS, the extension is aimed at giving individuals additional time to complete their filings smoothly, following earlier adjustments that had already shifted the deadline to April 14.
The agency explained that the growing reliance on its eTax platform has led to higher traffic volumes, necessitating extra time to ensure taxpayers can submit accurate returns without technical disruptions.
While granting the extension, LIRS made it clear that this will be the final window for compliance. Taxpayers are therefore advised to take advantage of the additional time and complete their submissions promptly to avoid penalties.
This latest move is part of a broader pattern of deadline adjustments in recent months. Initially, taxpayers were directed to file their returns by March 31, before the deadline was extended to April 14 and now April 21 due to continued demand on the system.
The agency says these measures are designed to improve compliance while easing the filing process for individuals across the state.
LIRS has also reiterated that all tax returns must be submitted exclusively through its eTax platform, which remains the only approved channel. The growing adoption of the system, it noted, reflects increased taxpayer engagement and a shift toward more efficient, transparent processes.
Officials believe that digital filing will not only reduce errors but also streamline tax administration, making it easier for both taxpayers and regulators to manage obligations effectively.
The push for full digital compliance aligns with wider reforms aimed at modernising tax collection in Lagos State and strengthening revenue generation.
Taxpayers are reminded that filing annual income tax returns is a legal obligation, and failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe may attract penalties under existing laws.
The extension also comes against the backdrop of evolving tax policies at the federal level, with new legislation introduced to reshape Nigeria’s revenue framework and improve coordination across tax authorities.
As the new deadline approaches, LIRS is urging taxpayers to act promptly, emphasising that timely compliance remains critical to avoiding sanctions and supporting the state’s revenue system.
