This is a very common issue when trying to register on the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service portal — and it usually happens for one of four reasons.

Let me walk you through what’s happening and how to fix it step-by-step 👇

Why This Happens

You’re seeing:

“You have registered before” ❗

“Tax ID cannot be found” ❗

This usually means:

Possible Cause 1: Your Employer Already Registered You

If you’re:

Salary earner

Government worker

Corporate employee

Your employer may have already created a Payer ID for you.

But:

You don’t know the email used

You don’t know the Payer ID

Your phone number may be different

So the system says you already exist, but you can’t access it.

How To Fix It (Best Solution)

Step 1 — Use “Forgot Payer ID” (Correct Way)

Go to:

👉 https://etax.lirs.net

Then:

Click Find Taxpayer ID

Enter:

Your surname

Phone number

Date of birth

Try different combinations if needed.

Step 2 — If Still Not Working

Use LIRS Support (Fastest Solution)

Contact:

**Lagos State Internal Revenue Service Helpdesk

You can:

Email them

📧 etax@lirs.net

Send:

Full name

Phone number

Email

Date of birth

Write:

“I tried creating a Payer ID but system says I already registered. When I try to find ID, it says not found. Please help retrieve my Payer ID.”

They usually respond within same day or next day.

Step 3 — Fastest Option (If Deadline is Close)

Walk into any LIRS office and tell them:

“I cannot access my Payer ID, but deadline is near.”

They will:

✅ Retrieve your Payer ID

✅ Reset your login

✅ Help you file immediately

This is the fastest solution.

Common Things To Try First

Before contacting them, try:

✔ Use another browser

✔ Try Chrome instead

✔ Turn off VPN

✔ Try different phone number

✔ Try surname only

Sometimes it’s just system glitch.

Important (Don’t Create Another Profile)

⚠️ Don’t try creating multiple accounts

⚠️ It will create duplicate records

⚠️ This may delay your filing

My Recommendation (Based on Your Situation)

Since deadline is close:

👉 Best option: Email LIRS immediately

👉 Second option: Visit LIRS office physically

You’ll resolve it within same day.

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