Salary earner or not, the taxman wants your papers.
If you’ve been assuming your tax matter ends once your salary is taxed, Taiwo Oyedele says you’ve been living a lie.
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms has issued a blunt reminder: every Nigerian individual must file their tax returns — latest March 31. No shortcuts. No assumptions.
Speaking during a high-level virtual session with HR managers, payroll officers, CFOs, and tax professionals, Oyedele made it clear that tax compliance in Nigeria is still dangerously low — especially among individuals.
According to him, while many employers already file returns for their staff, a shocking number of Nigerians completely ignore their personal tax filing duties.
And the numbers? Embarrassing.
Oyedele revealed that in several states, even the most “advanced” ones, less than 5% of eligible individuals actually file tax returns. In some places, non-compliance reportedly crosses 90%.
He addressed a common belief many workers hold — that once Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) has been deducted, their responsibility is over.
“That thinking is wrong,” he stressed.
Employer deduction does not cancel your duty to file returns — not under the old rules, and certainly not under the new tax regime.
Oyedele explained that both employers and employees are legally required to file annual returns, regardless of income level. Low income earners are not exempt from filing — even if they owe nothing.
The good news? Authorities are trying to simplify the process. Tax agencies across states, in collaboration with the Joint Revenue Board, are reportedly working on systems to make filing easier and less stressful.
But there’s another twist.
Businesses enjoying tax waivers, incentives, or reliefs are now under a mandatory disclosure rule. Under the new tax law, companies must openly declare any incentives they benefit from when filing returns — or shortly after.
Bottom line?
March 31 is the line in the sand.
Whether you earn small, big, or believe “tax no concern me” — the system is watching.
And this time, the reminder is loud. 📢💸
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