FCT-IRS Extends Tax Return Filing Deadline, Urges Residents to Comply
- FCT-IRS has extended the tax filing deadline and given instructions on filings
- The extension aims to improve compliance and allow accurate submissions
- Correct personal details are required to avoid delays in processing
Oluwatobi Odeyinka is a business editor at Legit.ng, covering energy, the money market, technology, and macroeconomic trends in Nigeria.
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has extended the deadline for filing individual annual income tax returns by one month, moving it from March 31 to April 30, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement posted on the official X page of the agency on Tuesday, March 31, and signed by the agency’s acting Executive Chairman, Michael Ango.
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Ango said that although March 31 remains the statutory deadline each year, the extension is designed to give taxpayers more time to submit accurate returns and enhance overall compliance within the Federal Capital Territory.
He emphasised that voluntary tax compliance is a civic responsibility and an important contribution to national development, urging residents to take advantage of the extended window.
Electronic filing remains mandatory
The FCT-IRS reiterated that electronic filing through its official tax portal remains the approved channel for submitting annual returns.
According to the agency, the move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital tax administration system and improve service delivery.
Taxpayers were encouraged to complete their filings promptly via the designated portal.
Taxpayers advised to update personal details
Ango also advised individuals to ensure that their personal information — including National Identification Number (NIN), phone numbers, and addresses — is correctly provided during registration on the platform to avoid delays in processing.
He added that taxpayers who require assistance can visit any FCT-IRS office or contact the agency through its official communication channels.
Similar move by Lagos tax authority
The extension follows a similar step by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, which recently shifted its deadline for filing individual income tax returns to April 14.
The LIRS announced a two-week extension for the filing of individual annual personal income tax returns.
The extension, disclosed by LIRS Executive Chairman Ayodele Subair, is aimed at giving taxpayers more time to submit accurate and complete returns.
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Despite the deadline shift, Subair warned taxpayers against complacency, stressing that filing annual tax returns should become a routine obligation rather than a last-minute scramble.
He reiterated that March 31 remains the statutory deadline under Nigerian tax laws, and the extension should be viewed as a one-off concession rather than a new norm. He urged residents to take advantage of the additional time responsibly and avoid penalties or complications that may arise from inaccurate filings.
Simple guide to filing your tax returns
Legit.ng earlier reported a step-by-step guideline for filing tax returns, including the filing process and the necessary documents to be uploaded.
Failure to declare all income sources and file on time may result in penalties and fines.
Authorities advised early filing to avoid last-minute delays and to allow sufficient time to resolve any issues that may arise during submission.
Source: Legit.ng
