The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the deadline for filing of Annual Returns for individual taxpayers, including self-employed persons, by two months.
Nairametrics learnt the extension became necessary due to the Coronavirus pandemic, which has forced Nigerians into self-isolation.
The tax administrator for the Lagos State Government disclosed in a statement obtained by Nairametrics, that the deadline has been shifted from April 1 to May 31, 2020. Prior to the Coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria, annual returns were to be filed before March 31 of every fiscal year.
What this means: The new development will change the status quo this year, as the LIRS has factored in the adverse effect of COVID-19 on social-economic activities. This means the usual stiff penalties for defaulters will not come into effect until the end of May.
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Already, Lagos State is on lockdown for 14 days following a directive from President Muhammadu Buhari. This is meant to curb the spread of the virus, as Lagos has recorded the highest cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, with 81, while Abuja accounts for 25.
The COVID-19 cases in Lagos have affected business activities, especially the self-employed, as Lagosians are practising social distancing.
LIRS protecting taxpayers from COVID-19: According to the Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair, the deadline was extended after some taxpayers pleaded with the revenue collector. It is also LIRS’ policy reaction to the pandemic in Nigeria.
“We implore the taxpayers to access our eTax platform for all tax operations and administration matters, including the filing of annual returns from the comfort of their homes and offices. They can do this, by simply logging on to the eTax platform via https://etax.lirs.net or calling our Customer Care Centre on 0700 CALL LIRS (070022555477),’’ Subair said.
Meanwhile, Nairametrics learnt that further updates on business operations and alternative payment platforms of LIRS can be obtained from the agency’s website; (www.lirs.gov.ng), and its various social media handles.
With reference to the circular 048, dated 14th May,2020 I was made to understand that the filling of annual returns have started and it has to be filled before ending of this month,but when I opened this platform there is nothing like that.