Oyedele Urges Nigerians to File Tax Returns by March 31
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has urged all Nigerians to file their annual tax returns on or before March 31, saying the law requires every eligible individual to do so.
He made this call during a webinar attended by tax managers, human resource officers and payroll professionals, where he noted that many Nigerians still fail to meet this basic tax obligation every year.
Oyedele explained that even though employers deduct taxes from workers’ salaries and submit returns on their behalf, each individual is still required by law to file a personal tax return.
He said many people wrongly believe that once their taxes are deducted at source, they do not need to do anything further. According to him, this misunderstanding is one of the major reasons for low compliance across the country.
The tax expert added that the March 31 deadline applies to income earned in the previous year and covers everyone who earns an income, no matter how small.
He noted that in many states, only a small number of people actually file their tax returns, which weakens the country’s tax system and affects government revenue.
Oyedele also mentioned that businesses enjoying tax incentives must clearly state this in their annual tax returns to ensure transparency.
He assured participants that tax authorities are working to make the filing process easier through better systems and digital solutions to encourage more people to comply.
He advised Nigerians, including those with low or irregular income, to take the process seriously and ensure they file their returns before the deadline.
Oyedele stressed that filing tax returns is not only a legal duty but also a civic responsibility that helps the government provide better services for citizens.