LIRS Stops Manual Filing of Annual Tax Returns

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) said it has stopped the manual filing of annual tax returns, urging taxpayers to henceforth use its online portals only for such.

The Head of Corporate Communications at LIRS, Ms Monsurat Amasa, confirmed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

In October 2019, the tax body launched its eTax platform, which allows taxpayers to comply with all COVID-19 protocols by filing their tax returns from the comfort of their offices or homes.

Therefore, the agency urged companies operating in Lagos State to use its digital platform to file their annual tax returns before January 31, 2021, deadline to avoid being sanctioned.

The LIRS noted that it would be better if companies and employers of labour can avoid penalties for late filing of the 2020 tax returns because it would be an additional financial burden on them, considering the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on businesses.

“The steps to file are available on all our communication channels, however, taxpayers with difficulties filing are also welcome to seek assistance with specially designated staff at our tax stations.

“We have made the process simple, quick, secure and reliable for our esteemed taxpayers. We are also available on various digital platforms to assist taxpayers on the process of e-filing,” the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Mr Ayodele Subair, was quoted as saying in the statement issued today.

The LIRS said through its digital channel, taxpayers can also carry out tax assessments, payments and other tax administration matters, adding that its customer care hotline: 0700 CALL LIRS (0700-2255-5477), website: www.lirs.gov.ng, chat rooms and the various social media platforms @lirsgovng are available for enquiries.

Concluding, the agency appealed to all Lagos State residents and businesses to stay safe and obey all COVID-19 guidelines as stipulated by the relevant health authorities.

Business Post reports that the annual tax returns show each employee’s emoluments and tax paid in the year 2020. This is in line with the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) Cap P8 LFN 2011 (as amended).