Update: CRIRS To Clarify Tax Filing Rules For Companies, NGOs, Individuals

NIGERIA, CALABAR – Days after extending the deadline for filing 2025 individual annual tax returns, the Cross River Internal Revenue Service has intensified public clarification on compliance requirements.

The agency had earlier announced a three-week extension, shifting the deadline from March 31 to April 21, 2026, to give taxpayers more time.

Following that directive signed by Executive Chairman, Prince Edwin Okon, Ph.D, officials have now moved to address widespread misconceptions about tax filing obligations.

Speaking on Sparkling FM’s “Let’s Talk Nigeria,” monitored by Truth Live News, Technical Adviser to the Chairman, Barrister Lilian, provided detailed clarifications.

She said the renewed engagement forms part of ongoing sensitisation efforts aimed at ensuring residents understand the difference between filing returns and paying taxes.

Not a New Policy, Adviser Insists

Barrister Lilian stressed that filing tax returns is not a new development, countering public perception linking the requirement to recent reforms.

“Filing tax returns is not a new requirement; it has always been part of the law,” she said during the programme.

She explained that companies have consistently complied with this obligation over the years, making the practice routine within corporate operations.

According to her, the current awareness drive only seeks to extend that understanding to individuals and smaller entities often left out of compliance conversations.

Companies Must Continue Annual Filings

The adviser reaffirmed that all registered companies must file annual returns detailing their financial activities within each assessment year.

She noted that companies must declare income, expenditures, and operational outcomes, regardless of whether they recorded profits during the period.

“Every company is expected to file returns annually, whether there was income or not,” she explained.

She added that audited financial statements and supporting documents must accompany filings to ensure transparency and accuracy in tax assessments.

Extension Sparks Renewed Public Interest

Findings by Truth Live News show that the earlier deadline extension has triggered increased public interest and inquiries about tax obligations.

Barrister Lilian acknowledged that many individuals only became aware of the requirement following the announcement of the March 31 deadline.

She noted that the extension has created an opportunity for deeper engagement, allowing authorities to clarify grey areas surrounding compliance.

According to her, misconceptions about taxation often discourage participation, especially among individuals unfamiliar with filing procedures.

• Update: CRIRS To Clarify Tax Filing Rules For Companies, NGOs, Individuals
• Tinubu Calls for Hope, Resilience in Easter Message
• 2027: PRP Courts Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso Amid ADC Crisis
• INEC Chairman Cautions ADC Against Going Ahead With Planned Convention Without Supervision
• Bandits Attack Zamfara Chief of Staff Convoy

NGOs, Others Not Exempt from Filing

The CRIRS adviser clarified that the obligation to file tax returns extends beyond companies to include NGOs, cooperatives, and similar entities.

She explained that filing enables the tax authority to determine whether such organisations operate strictly within tax-exempt mandates.

“NGOs are also expected to file returns because that is how the authority ascertains their activities,” she said.

She added that NGOs engaging in profit-oriented ventures may be taxed on such income, despite enjoying general exemptions.

Individuals Must Also Comply

Barrister Lilian emphasized that all individuals, including salary earners and business owners, must file annual tax returns.

She said filing allows individuals to document income sources, earnings, and expenditures for proper tax assessment by authorities.

“Everybody is expected to file returns, whether you are employed or self-employed,” she stated during the programme.

She noted that the process ensures fairness, as tax authorities rely on declared information rather than assumptions in determining liabilities.

Filing Not Equal to Payment

Addressing a major concern raised by listeners, the adviser clarified that filing tax returns does not automatically mean paying taxes.

She explained that filing simply provides information, while payment only follows after assessment confirms that tax is due.

“You can file a nil return if no income was earned; that does not mean you will pay tax,” she said.

She added that such declarations help authorities avoid arbitrary assessments and ensure taxpayers are treated fairly.

Legal Backing, Declaration Requirements

Barrister Lilian noted that tax returns include a declaration section where taxpayers attest to the accuracy of submitted information.

She explained that the declaration carries legal weight, warning that false information could attract penalties under existing laws.

According to her, this requirement strengthens accountability and ensures integrity within the tax administration system.

Support Structures in Place

The adviser reassured residents that the tax authority is not designed to intimidate but to guide taxpayers through compliance processes.

“The tax authority is your friend; it is there to guide you,” she said, encouraging voluntary compliance.

She advised taxpayers who lack expertise to engage accredited tax agents or professionals to handle their filings.

She added that such professionals are trained to ensure accuracy and help taxpayers meet statutory obligations without complications.

Small Businesses Still Required to File

Barrister Lilian explained that small businesses may be exempt from Companies Income Tax but are still required to file returns.

She said filing enables authorities to verify eligibility for exemptions, preventing wrongful classification or loss of benefits.

“Without filing returns, the authority cannot determine whether a business qualifies for exemption,” she noted.

She added that proper documentation protects small businesses and ensures they enjoy applicable reliefs under the law.

CRIRS Intensifies Sensitisation Campaigns

The adviser disclosed that CRIRS has expanded sensitisation efforts through media engagements, community outreach, and institutional visits.

She said the agency has visited several locations to educate residents but acknowledged that public response remains limited.

According to her, fear and misinformation continue to hinder participation in tax-related programmes across the state.

She urged residents to embrace available information channels and take advantage of the extended deadline to comply.

Compliance Linked to Accountability

Barrister Lilian stressed that tax compliance strengthens citizens’ ability to demand accountability from government.

She noted that fulfilling civic obligations positions citizens to question governance and demand transparency in public spending.

According to her, compliance fosters mutual responsibility between the government and the governed, enhancing democratic accountability.

Final Call Ahead of April 21 Deadline

With the new deadline fast approaching, CRIRS has urged taxpayers to complete their filings promptly to avoid penalties.

Officials advised residents to visit tax offices or contact the agency’s help desk for assistance with the filing process.

They reiterated that the extension provides a final window for compliance and encouraged taxpayers to act without delay.

The agency maintained that improved compliance will boost revenue generation and support development initiatives across Cross River State.