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Philip wealth
Asked: 2026-03-30T21:22:50+00:00 In:

How Do I File Annual Tax Returns in Nigeria as an Individual or Business Owner?

How to fill your tax annual return ?

annual tax return nigeriacompany tax return nigeriafirs tax filingpersonal income tax nigeria

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  2. Ochoyoda
    Intermediate

    Here’s a **step-by-step guide on how to fill your personal annual tax return in Nigeria, tailored for a beginner. I’ll focus on the salary earner scenario, since that’s the most common case. Step 1: Gather your documents Before filling your tax return, collect: Tax Identification Number (TIN) – everRead more

    Here’s a **step-by-step guide on how to fill your personal annual tax return in Nigeria, tailored for a beginner. I’ll focus on the salary earner scenario, since that’s the most common case.

    Step 1: Gather your documents

    Before filling your tax return, collect:

    Tax Identification Number (TIN) – every taxpayer must have one.

    Salary slips / Payslips for the year.

    PAYE remittance statements from your employer (proof of tax already deducted).

    Any other income documents (freelancing, dividends, rentals, etc.)

    Pension or life insurance contributions (if you want to claim relief).

    Step 2: Choose the filing method

    Online (preferred for Lagos, FCT, and states with portals):

    Lagos: LIRS Portal

    Abuja: FCT Tax Portal

    Manual (for states without portals):

    Visit your State IRS office

    Request Personal Income Tax Return form

    Step 3: Fill in the form

    The key sections include:

    Section

    What to Include

    Personal Information

    Full name, TIN, date of birth, address, employment info

    Income Details

    Total salary, allowances, bonuses, other earnings

    Tax Already Paid

    PAYE deductions from your employer, pension contributions

    Deductions / Reliefs

    Pension, life insurance, dependent relief, donations (if applicable)

    Other Income

    Freelance, rental, dividends, business income

    Calculation of Tax Due

    The portal or form usually calculates automatically

    Balance / Refund

    Pay additional tax owed or claim refund if overpaid

    Tip: Online portals usually have drop-downs and auto-calculators. Manual forms require you to do simple subtraction:

    Total Tax Due = Tax on Total Income – PAYE Already Paid

    Step 4: Review & submit

    Double-check all figures and TIN.

    Submit online or hand in the physical form at the IRS office.

    Keep a receipt or acknowledgment – this is your proof of filing.

    Step 5: Obtain your Tax Clearance Certificate (optional but recommended)

    Needed for loans, visas, or contracts.

    Can usually be requested after filing your annual return.

    ✅ Extra Tips

    Filing is usually due by March 31 of the year following the assessment year.

    Even if PAYE is fully deducted, filing may be required if you have other income or need clearance.

    Keep records – payslips and filing receipts – for at least 5 years.

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  4. Onyx_WiseFidafa
    Contributor

    Since today is March 31st, you are at the final deadline for the 2025 tax year. Whether you are using an online portal (like OYSIRS for Oyo or LIRS for Lagos, etc) or a paper form, the logic is the same. Here is the "Quick-Start" guide to filling your return accurately before the day ends. Phase 1:Read more

    Since today is March 31st, you are at the final deadline for the 2025 tax year. Whether you are using an online portal (like OYSIRS for Oyo or LIRS for Lagos, etc) or a paper form, the logic is the same.

    Here is the “Quick-Start” guide to filling your return accurately before the day ends.

    Phase 1: The Prep (3 Essentials)
    Before opening the form, have these numbers ready:

    • Annual Gross Income: Your total earnings from Jan–Dec 2025 (Salary + Bonuses + Side business profits).
    • Tax Already Paid: Check your 2025 payslips for the total PAYE deducted by your employer.
    • Reliefs (Tax Discounts): Total amount you paid into Pension, NHF, or Life Insurance. These reduce your taxable income!

    Phase 2: Filling the Sections

    Section,                                                  What to do
    Personal Details,                “Enter your TIN (Tax ID), full name, and current residence address.”
    Income Source,                   “List your main salary. If you have a side hustle, list the Net Profit (Revenue minus business costs).”
    Deductions,                             Input your Pension and NHF totals. The system will automatically apply the Consolidated Relief Allowance (CRA).
    Final Calculation,                 “Subtract the “”Tax Already Paid”” from the “”Total Tax Due.”””

    The Result: If the balance is 0, you are compliant! If it’s positive, you must pay that balance today to avoid a penalty.

    Phase 3: Submission (How to Finish)

    Option A: The Online Portal (Fastest)

    • Log in to your State’s IRS website.
    • Input your figures into the digital “Form A.”
    • Click Submit and immediately download your Acknowledgment Receipt.

    Option B: The Tax Office (Safest if the web is down)

    • Walk into the nearest tax office and ask for the Personal Income Tax Annual Return form.
    • Fill it out manually, sign it, and ensure the officer stamps your copy as “Received.”

    Pro-Tip for the Deadline
    If you don’t have your exact payslips handy right now, estimate your total income as accurately as you can and file anyway. It is much cheaper to “amend” a small error later than to pay the heavy fine for missing the March 31st deadline entirely.

    Goodluck!

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