The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the deadline for filing individual annual tax returns by two weeks, moving the statutory due date from March 31 to April 14, 2026.
The extension was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, who said the decision is aimed at providing taxpayers with additional time to complete and submit accurate returns in line with regulatory requirements.
Subair reiterated that March 31 remains the official deadline stipulated under existing tax laws for the submission of individual income tax returns.
However, the temporary extension reflects the agency’s effort to support compliance and improve filing accuracy among taxpayers across Lagos State.
He urged individuals to prioritize timely filing of their annual returns, noting that compliance with tax obligations should be embedded as a routine personal and financial responsibility.
The LIRS boss also emphasized that all tax returns must be submitted electronically through the agency’s designated eTax platform.
According to him, manual filing has been completely phased out and is no longer accepted under any circumstance.
He described the eTax platform as secure, efficient and accessible at all times, enabling taxpayers to file their returns conveniently without the need for physical visits to tax offices.
The digital system is also expected to enhance transparency, reduce processing time and minimize errors associated with manual submissions.
Taxpayers were advised to ensure that their Tax Identification Number (TaxID) is correctly captured when filing their returns to avoid processing delays or compliance issues.
The extension comes as part of broader efforts by LIRS to strengthen tax administration and improve voluntary compliance across the state.
Over the years, Lagos State has continued to expand its digital tax infrastructure to support efficient revenue collection and reduce leakages.
Industry observers note that the shift toward a fully digital filing system aligns with global best practices in tax administration, where automation and data integration play a central role in improving efficiency and accountability.
With the new deadline now set for April 14, taxpayers are expected to take advantage of the extended window to fulfill their obligations and avoid potential penalties associated with late filing.