Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, is urging all Nigerians to submit their annual tax returns by the March 31 deadline. During a webinar for HR managers and tax professionals, Oyedele emphasized that both employers and individuals are required by law to file returns, but many Nigerians aren’t complying.

Oyedele noted that employers must file annual returns for their employees, including projections of staff payments, and individuals must also file self-assessment returns. He lamented that compliance is low, with fewer than 5% of Nigerians filing returns in most states.

Oyedele clarified that employees can’t assume their tax obligations end when their employer deducts taxes from their salary; they must still file returns. Authorities are working to simplify the process, and those enjoying tax incentives must disclose them in their returns.