Taxpayers get lifeline as LIRS shifts filing deadline to April 21

Stanley Ihedigbo

Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has announced a further extension of the deadline for filing individual annual income tax returns, shifting the date from April 14 to April 21, 2026.

According to the statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications at LIRS, Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude, the decision comes in response to a significant surge in activity on the agency’s electronic tax platform, as taxpayers intensify efforts to meet their statutory obligations before the initial deadline.

The agency, LIRS, expressed appreciation to taxpayers for their continued compliance and commitment to fulfilling their tax responsibilities, noting that the increased engagement reflects growing awareness and participation in the state’s tax system.

The extension is aimed at ensuring that all taxpayers are given sufficient time to successfully complete their filings without being hindered by technical or access challenges caused by the high volume of users on the eTax platform.

LIRS stated that the additional one-week window is intended to enhance convenience for taxpayers while also maintaining the integrity and accuracy of submitted returns.

The Executive Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, reiterated that all tax returns must be filed electronically through the official LIRS eTax portal, which remains the only approved channel for submission.

He urged taxpayers to take advantage of what the agency described as a final extension to avoid penalties and ensure full compliance with the law.

The agency also encouraged individuals requiring assistance to visit any LIRS office or reach out through its official communication channels for support.

LIRS emphasized that the filing of annual income tax returns is a statutory obligation and called on all eligible residents of Lagos to act promptly within the new deadline.