At what income level are individuals required to start paying tax in Nigeria under the new tax rules?

The new Nigerian tax law (Nigeria Tax Act 2025) changed the thresholds quite significantly. Here’s the exact, current position—no guesswork.
1. For Individuals (Salary Earners, Civil Servants, etc.)
✅ Tax-free threshold:
If you earn ₦800,000 or less per year
→ You pay ZERO tax
That is roughly:
₦66,667 per month
👉 What happens above ₦800,000?
Only the amount above ₦800,000 is taxed
Tax is progressive (0% – 25%)
Example:
Salary = ₦1,200,000/year
First ₦800,000 = 0% tax
Remaining ₦400,000 = taxed at 15%
📌 Simple interpretation
Annual Income
Tax
≤ ₦800,000
No tax
Above ₦800,000
Start paying tax
⚠️ Extra note (important)
Even if you earn slightly above:
You may still pay very small tax, not heavy
2. For Companies (Businesses)
✅ Tax-free threshold (new rule):
If a company earns ₦100 million or less per year (turnover)
→ No Company Income Tax (CIT)
But there’s a condition:
Fixed assets must not exceed ₦250 million
👉 If above ₦100 million:
Company pays:
30% Corporate Income Tax
Other applicable taxes/levies
📌 Simple interpretation
Company Turnover
Tax
≤ ₦100 million
No company income tax
> ₦100 million
Tax applies
3. Big Picture (What Changed)
Before:
Tax started from very low income
Now:
Government shifted burden to:
Higher earners
Bigger companies
👉 Low-income individuals and small businesses are now mostly protected
4. Practical Meaning for You
As a civil servant:
If your salary is:
Around minimum wage → likely no tax
Mid-level → small tax
High income → progressively higher tax
Bottom Line
Individuals:
👉 Start paying tax only after ₦800,000/year
Companies:
👉 Start paying company tax only after ₦100 million turnover