Thousands of Nigerians are scrambling to meet the March 31, 2026 deadline for the submission of their 2025 Personal Income Tax (PIT) returns, as tax enforcement activities intensify across the country.
The filing obligation covers all taxable individuals, including workers under the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) scheme, self-employed professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, business owners, and persons operating within the informal sector.
Tax authorities have stressed that even individuals whose taxes are already deducted directly from their salaries or earnings are still expected to submit their annual tax returns, clearly stating all sources of income for the year under review.
Officials warned that failure to comply before the deadline could trigger immediate penalties and additional financial consequences.
According to existing tax regulations, any eligible taxpayer who fails to file on time may face an automatic fine of ₦100,000 for the first month of default, while an extra ₦50,000 may be charged for every additional month the default continues.
Beyond monetary penalties, defaulters may also be subjected to interest on unpaid tax liabilities as well as best-of-judgment assessments by relevant tax authorities.
The renewed enforcement drive forms part of broader efforts by the government to improve tax administration, widen the tax net, and boost compliance among Nigerians across all sectors of the economy.
Authorities have also cautioned taxpayers against submitting false declarations, forged records, or misleading information, warning that such actions could attract further sanctions under applicable tax laws.
With the deadline fast approaching, eligible Nigerians have been advised to complete their filings promptly to avoid penalties and possible enforcement actions.
The March 31 deadline remains unchanged.