Every Individual Must File Tax Returns by March 31 — Taiwo Oyedele
Tax expert Taiwo Oyedele has clarified that all individuals in Nigeria, including salaried employees, are legally required to file their annual tax returns on or before March 31, in line with existing tax laws.
Oyedele explained that many Nigerians wrongly assume that workers whose taxes are deducted through the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system are exempt from filing tax returns. According to him, this assumption is incorrect, as Nigerian tax laws require individuals to make a personal declaration of income to the relevant tax authorities, regardless of how their taxes are deducted.
He noted that filing tax returns allows tax authorities to properly assess an individual’s income, confirm compliance, and maintain accurate tax records. Oyedele added that the process also helps individuals regularise their tax status, which is increasingly required for accessing government services, financial transactions, and official documentation.
The tax expert warned that failure to file tax returns by the March 31 deadline could attract penalties, interest charges, or enforcement actions, depending on the applicable tax regulations and the discretion of the tax authority involved.
Oyedele further urged individuals with multiple income sources—such as business owners, freelancers, and professionals—to be especially careful, stressing that all sources of income must be declared honestly and accurately.
He encouraged Nigerians to seek professional advice where necessary and to engage their state internal revenue services early to avoid last-minute complications as the deadline approaches.
According to him, timely compliance not only helps individuals avoid sanctions but also contributes to improved government revenue, which is essential for funding public services and national development.
The March 31 deadline applies nationwide, and taxpayers are advised to complete their filings promptly to remain on the right side of the law.
