Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has announced a March 31 deadline for all taxable individuals residing in the FCT to file their annual income tax returns. This directive was outlined in a statement issued by Mr. Mustapha Sumaila, Head of Corporate Communications for FCT-IRS, emphasizing the requirement for compliance from employed individuals, elected and appointed public office holders, self-employed persons, business owners, and professionals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sumaila stated that all taxable individuals are required to declare their income from all sources for the preceding year, from January 1 to December 31, 2025. This declaration should include statements of deductions and other relevant information as mandated by law. The filing requirement applies to all taxable persons, encompassing those in the informal sector and employees under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme.
Sumaila highlighted that this directive aligns with Section 24(f) of the 1999 Constitution, Sections 13 and 14(3) of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, and Section 24 of the FCT-IRS Act. The laws mandate that every individual with taxable income must submit a true and correct return of total income from all sources within 90 days of the commencement of the 2026 assessment year.
The FCT-IRS has advised taxpayers residing in the FCT to utilize its self-service portal at www.taxporta.fctirs.gov.ng for online filing of returns or to visit the nearest FCT-IRS office to complete and submit the relevant forms. The Service warned that non-compliance with the deadline for filing personal income tax returns would lead to sanctions as stipulated by law.
Sumaila explained that these sanctions would include the issuance of a best of judgment assessment on defaulters, the imposition of penalties and interest, and other civil and criminal sanctions in accordance with existing regulations. The statement quoted the Acting Executive Chairman of the Service, Mr. Michael Ango, emphasizing that ‘voluntary compliance through timely registration, filing, and payment of taxes remains a catalyst for development in the FCT.’ He further noted that tax revenues are utilized by the government to fund road projects, build and renovate schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.