There are strong indications that taxpayers in Lagos State that failed to file their annual tax returns by the end of today’s business hours may face serious sanctions as the deadline set by the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) expires.
The agency had on January 17 this year in a statement reminded businesses and employers of labour of their statutory obligation to file annual income tax returns pursuant to section 81 (2) of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) Cap P8 LFN 2004 (as amended).
It maintained that the Act stipulated January 31st as the deadline for filing of annual income tax returns, failing which penalty accrues.
The Executive Chairman of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Ayodele Subair, urged all businesses and employers of labour resident within Lagos State, to file their annual income tax returns on or before January 31, 2022, to avoid payment of penalties as well as other statutory sanctions.
The agency stated: The only available platform for filing of annual income tax returns in Lagos State is the LIRS e-Tax portal: https://etax.lirs.net. The e-Tax portal is built for convenience of taxpayers, is easy, convenient and safe. All businesses and employers of labor are advised to use the e-Tax portal to file their returns.
“Taxpayer ID of all employees is compulsory for the annual income tax returns to be successful filed on the e-Tax portal. Therefore, all employees and taxable persons within the State are advised to generate a taxpayer ID (where applicable) and file their individual annual income tax returns on the e-Tax portal.
“As part of the Agency’s quest to ease compliance obligations for taxpayers, it has designated some staff at its various offices to assist taxpayers with using the e-Tax portal and other filing related issues.
“For more information or any inquiries, taxpayers are enjoined to visit our website: www.lirs.gov.ng, follow us on our various social media platforms: @lirsgovng, email: etaxinfo@lirs.net or call the LIRS customer care hotline: 0700CALL LIRS (0700-2255-5477).
“Taxpayers are advised to stay safe and adhere to all Covid-19 guidelines as stipulated by the Lagos State Government and the relevant health authorities”, it added.
