The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has announced a two-week extension for the filing of individual annual tax returns, shifting the deadline from April 1 to April 14, 2026. The move is aimed at giving taxpayers additional time to complete their submissions accurately and in compliance with existing tax regulations.
The extension was disclosed in an official statement issued on Monday by the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair. He noted that while March 31 remains the statutory deadline for filing annual tax returns, the Service decided to grant extra time in recognition of the practical challenges some taxpayers may face in meeting the original timeline.
According to Dr. Subair, the extension is not intended to encourage complacency but rather to support individuals in fulfilling their civic obligations more effectively. He stressed that accurate and timely tax filing should be treated as a routine responsibility by all eligible taxpayers.
“This extension is designed to give taxpayers the opportunity to file correctly and avoid unnecessary errors,” he explained. “However, compliance with tax obligations must become a consistent personal practice, not something done only under pressure.”
He further emphasised that the filing of annual income tax returns is a legal requirement and a critical component of civic responsibility. Taxes, he noted, play a vital role in funding public services and infrastructure, making it essential for individuals to meet their obligations promptly.
In addition to the deadline extension, LIRS reiterated its policy on electronic tax filing. Dr. Subair made it clear that the Service has fully transitioned to a digital system, and that manual submission of tax returns has been completely discontinued. As such, all individual taxpayers are required to file their returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax platform.
The eTax portal, accessible via https://etax.lirs.net, has been designed to provide a seamless and efficient filing experience. Described as secure, user-friendly, and available круглосуточно, the platform allows taxpayers to complete and submit their returns at their convenience, without the need for physical visits to tax offices.
Dr. Subair encouraged taxpayers to familiarise themselves with the platform and ensure that all required information is correctly entered during the filing process. In particular, he highlighted the importance of accurately capturing the Tax Identification Number (TaxID), which serves as a unique identifier for each taxpayer.
“Ensuring that your TaxID is correctly entered is essential for proper documentation and verification,” he said. “Errors in this regard can lead to complications or delays in processing.”
To support taxpayers during the filing period, LIRS has also made provisions for assistance and enquiries. Individuals who require help can visit any LIRS office or reach out through various communication channels provided by the Service.
These include the official website at www.lirs.gov.ng, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn under the name Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. On Instagram and YouTube, the Service operates under the handle @lirsgovng, while updates are also available on X (formerly Twitter) via @lirs_govng.
For direct support, taxpayers can send emails to etaxinfo@lirs.net or contact the customer care hotline at 0700-CALL-LIRS (0700-2255-5477), where trained representatives are available to provide guidance and resolve issues.
The announcement was formally signed by Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude, Head of Corporate Communications at LIRS, who reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to improving tax administration and enhancing the overall experience for taxpayers in Lagos State.
Observers note that the extension reflects a broader effort by LIRS to balance enforcement with support, ensuring that taxpayers are both compliant and well-informed. By leveraging digital tools and offering multiple support channels, the agency continues to modernise its operations and encourage voluntary compliance.
As the new April 14 deadline approaches, taxpayers are advised to take advantage of the additional time to complete their filings accurately and avoid last-minute rushes. The extension provides a window of opportunity, but authorities stress that adherence to tax obligations remains non-negotiable.
