The Federal Government has reminded Nigerians that filing annual tax returns is compulsory for everyone, with a firm deadline of March 31. The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, stressed that both individuals and employers must comply with the law, regardless of income level or employment status.

Oyedele made the call during a webinar organised with the Joint Revenue Board for HR professionals, payroll officers, chief financial officers and tax managers. He explained that employers are required to file annual tax returns for their employees, including projections of staff earnings and taxes paid. According to him, many organisations are yet to meet this obligation, even as the deadline draws near.

He also expressed concern over the low level of compliance among individual taxpayers across the country. Oyedele noted that many Nigerians wrongly believe that once tax is deducted by their employers, they have no further responsibility. He clarified that under both the old and new tax laws, employees are still required to file self-assessment tax returns, adding that compliance in most states remains extremely poor.

The tax reform chairman assured Nigerians that government agencies are working to simplify the filing process and make it more accessible. He added that under the new tax framework, companies enjoying tax incentives must now disclose those benefits when filing their returns. Oyedele urged all citizens, including low-income earners, to meet the March 31 deadline to avoid penalties and support national development.