The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the deadline for filing individual annual income tax returns by two weeks, from April 1 to April 14, 2026. This followed widespread technical difficulties with its eTax portal just hours before the original March 31 deadline.
In a statement released on Monday, the LIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Ayodele Subair, clarified that the annual tax filing deadline for individuals is legally set for March 31st each year.
He mentioned that the extension will give individuals more time to finish and submit correct tax returns.
The announcement comes after Technext reported that the LIRS eTax portal was experiencing technical difficulties, leaving thousands of taxpayers unable to access the platform or complete their submissions just one day before the deadline.
Several users reported getting errors while trying to submit documents, with many spending hours attempting to access the portal without success.
The timing was particularly problematic because the revenue body requires exclusive electronic filing through the eTax portal; manual filings have been completely phased out.
Frustrated taxpayers later took to social media to express concerns about being penalised for missing a deadline due to system failures beyond their control.
LIRS provides extension relief, but the pressure remains
Dr. Subair stated that individuals must give priority to the timely filing of their annual income tax returns, noting that compliance should be embedded as a routine personal practice.
He reiterated that electronic filing through the LIRS eTax platform remains the only approved method for submitting annual returns. Individuals are therefore required to file their returns exclusively through the LIRS eTax portal at etax.lirs.net.
Dr. Subair recommends that users double-check that their Tax ID is correct when submitting information on the platform, which he describes as secure, user-friendly, and available at all times.
The requirement applies to all income earners in Lagos State, including self-employed individuals, business owners, professionals, informal sector workers, and salaried employees under the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system.
Also read: Complete guide on how to file your 2025 tax returns on the LIRS portal
The LIRS had warned that failure to file returns by the original March 31 deadline would attract administrative penalties, interest, and other enforcement measures as prescribed by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025.
Extending the deadline to April 14 gives everyone two extra weeks. However, if you don’t comply after this new deadline, you will still be penalized.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
