The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has reaffirmed the deadline for the submission of annual tax returns, setting a firm date of January 31, 2024. In a decisive move to streamline tax administration and ensure compliance, LIRS has issued a clear warning to employers and businesses: meet the deadline or face sanctions.
Mr. Ayodele Subair, the Executive Chairman of LIRS, announced this crucial reminder in a statement released yesterday. The directive is particularly aimed at employers conducting business within Lagos State, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the stipulated deadline. The LIRS is adamant that failure to comply will result in appropriate sanctions, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.
In an era where digital solutions are reshaping administrative processes, the LIRS has made a significant leap. Mr. Subair highlighted that the exclusive platform for filing these returns is the LIRS e-Tax portal (https://etax.lirs.net). This move marks the end of manual filing, pushing for a more efficient, paperless system. The e-Tax portal represents a significant step forward in making tax administration more accessible and user-friendly for taxpayers.
Mr. Subair emphasized the advantages of the e-Tax portal, urging businesses and employers to make full use of it for their filing needs. He touted the portal’s user-friendly design, its convenience, and, importantly, its security features. “The e-Tax portal is designed for the convenience of taxpayers, making tax transactions easily accessible from the comfort of homes and offices,” Subair explained. This digital shift is not just about convenience; it’s about bringing tax administration into the modern era.
A crucial aspect of this process is the Taxpayer ID, a mandatory requirement for employers when filing their annual income tax returns via the e-Tax portal. Employers are advised to generate a taxpayer ID for their employees where necessary and to use the portal for their P.A.Y.E returns. This step is integral to ensuring a seamless and compliant tax filing process.
Recognizing that some taxpayers may face challenges in adapting to this new system, LIRS has taken proactive measures. The service has designated staff across various offices to assist taxpayers in utilizing the e-Tax portal effectively. These measures demonstrate LIRS’s commitment not just to enforcing compliance but also to facilitating it.
For additional information or inquiries, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the LIRS website (www.lirs.gov.ng). They can also follow LIRS on social media platforms (@lirsgovng), reach out via email at etaxinfo@lirs.net, or contact the LIRS customer care at 0700CALL LIRS (0700-2255-5477). This multi-channel support system is part of LIRS’s effort to ensure that taxpayers receive the assistance they need in a timely and efficient manner.
The reaffirmation of the January 31 deadline is a clear indicator of LIRS’s commitment to upholding tax laws and regulations in Lagos State. It reflects a broader trend of governmental bodies leveraging technology to improve efficiency and compliance. As the deadline approaches, businesses and employers are urged to take swift action to comply with this directive, thereby contributing to the state’s economic stability and development.
In other news, Lagos State continues to be a hub of activity and development. Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat recently received praise for their achievements, while other community concerns, such as the rising rate of cultism in the Oriade community and the ongoing issues faced by the Polytechnic’s Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), remain key areas of focus. The state, ever dynamic, continues to balance its rapid development with the challenges of modern urban life.
