Nigeria Tax Filing Guide 2026

Individual Tax Returns — Annual ITR

Individuals in Nigeria are subject to personal income tax under the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA). The key filing requirements:

• Filing deadline: March 31 of the following year (for the preceding calendar year)
• PAYE employees: Tax is deducted at source by the employer and remitted to the State Internal Revenue Service (SIRS). Employees must still file an annual return (Form A) if required by the relevant state IRS
• Self-employed: Must file annual returns and pay estimated tax quarterly (advance payments due March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31)
• Filing method: Through the relevant State IRS portal (each state has its own system)

Personal income tax rates are progressive: 7% on first NGN 300,000, 11% on next NGN 300,000, 15% on next NGN 500,000, 19% on next NGN 500,000, 21% on next NGN 1,600,000, and 24% on income above NGN 3,200,000. A consolidated relief allowance of NGN 200,000 plus 20% of earned income applies.

Corporate Income Tax Returns

Companies registered in Nigeria must file annual CIT returns with FIRS:

• Filing deadline: Within 6 months of the accounting year-end
• CIT rate: 30% for large companies (turnover above NGN 100 million), 20% for medium companies (NGN 25-100 million), 0% for small companies (below NGN 25 million)
• Return form: FIRS Form C (accompanied by audited financial statements)
• Advance tax payments: Companies must pay estimated tax in quarterly installments (due March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31)
• Minimum tax: 0.5% of gross turnover (for companies with no taxable profits or losses)

Companies must also file annual transfer pricing documentation if related-party transactions exceed specified thresholds. The CbC report is required for groups with consolidated revenue above NGN 88 billion.

VAT Returns — Monthly

VAT-registered businesses must file monthly VAT returns with FIRS:

• Filing deadline: 21st day of the month following the return period
• VAT rate: 7.5% (standard rate)
• Filing method: Through the FIRS Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) / TaxPro Max portal
• Zero-rated supplies: Exports, basic food items, medical products, books, educational materials
• Exempt supplies: Financial services, residential rents, some agricultural products
• Input VAT recovery: Allowed on business purchases and expenses (subject to documentation)

VAT returns must include a schedule of all taxable supplies and purchases. Late filing incurs a penalty of NGN 50,000 for the first month and NGN 25,000 for each subsequent month of default. Late payment incurs interest at the CBN minimum rediscount rate plus 5% per annum.

eFiling via FIRS TaxPro Max Portal

FIRS has implemented an integrated eFiling system (TaxPro Max / ITAS) for all tax filings. Key features:

• Online registration for TIN
• Filing of CIT returns (Form C)
• Filing of VAT returns
• Filing of WHT returns
• Advance tax payment processing
• Application for Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC)
• Transfer pricing documentation submission
• Query and audit management

State-level filings (PAYE, personal income tax) are done through individual State IRS portals (e.g., Lagos State IRS — LIRS eTax portal). Each state operates its own system, and taxpayers may need separate registrations for each state where they have tax obligations.

Withholding Tax Returns — Monthly

Businesses that deduct withholding tax (WHT) from payments to suppliers and contractors must file monthly WHT returns:

• Filing deadline: 21st day of the following month
• WHT rates: Dividends 10%, Interest 10%, Royalties 10%, Rent 10%, Consultancy 10%, Contract 5% (individuals) / 10% (companies), Commissions 10%, Professional fees 10%, Directors fees 10%
• Filing method: Through the FIRS portal (Form WHT)
• Remittance: WHT deducted must be remitted to FIRS (or State IRS) by the same 21st deadline

Failure to remit WHT within the deadline attracts a penalty of 10% of the amount not remitted plus interest at the CBN minimum rediscount rate. The deducted WHT is a credit for the recipient against their final tax liability.

Penalties for Late Filing and Payment

Nigeria imposes significant penalties for non-compliance:

• Late CIT filing: NGN 25,000 in the first month + NGN 5,000 per subsequent month + 10% per annum interest on unpaid tax
• Late CIT payment: 10% of the unpaid tax + interest at the CBN minimum rediscount rate + 5% per annum
• Late VAT filing: NGN 50,000 first month + NGN 25,000 per subsequent month
• Late VAT payment: 5% of the unpaid VAT plus CBN rate interest
• Late WHT remittance: 10% of the unremitted amount + CBN rate interest
• False or incorrect returns: 25% of the tax undercharged (voluntary disclosure reduces penalty)

Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC)

A Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) is an official document confirming that an individual or company has fulfilled all tax obligations for the preceding year of assessment. TCCs are required for:

• Government contract bidding (tenders above specified thresholds)
• Business permit renewal (for foreign companies)
• Visa and immigration applications
• Property registration and transfer
• Import and export license applications
• Director appointments in certain regulated entities

TCC applications are submitted through the FIRS portal (companies) or State IRS portals (individuals). The TCC is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

FAQs

When is the deadline for filing personal income tax returns?

March 31 of the following year (for the preceding calendar year). Self-employed individuals must also make quarterly advance payments.

What is the penalty for late filing of corporate tax returns?

NGN 25,000 in the first month, plus NGN 5,000 for each subsequent month of default, plus interest on unpaid tax.

Can I file my tax returns online?

Yes. Companies file through the FIRS TaxPro Max/ITAS portal. Individuals file through their State IRS portal.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about tax filing requirements in Nigeria for the 2026 tax year. Filing requirements, rates, and deadlines may change. Always consult with a qualified Nigerian tax advisor or FIRS directly for advice specific to your situation. InvestmentKit does not provide legal or tax advice.