An auditor, whether outsourced or internal must possess massive potential to be able to stand head and shoulder above his counterparts in terms of value provision. For auditors who do not possess these qualities, they cannot ride the wave of inefficiency for ... Read More
In plain terms, taxation has been described as a way of making persons, individuals and companies contribute to growth and development of a country, through payment of money via legalized levies according to their level of income or any other ... Read More
WHY OUTSOURCE YOUR ACCOUNTING SYSTEM
Starting a business as an entrepreneur is because you had a dream. You saw a need or a problem common to many individuals or businesses, and you had an idea for a product that would meet ... Read More
Steps to get your start-up on track
From fledgling startups to well-established ventures, companies today need to be ready to pivot as unpredictable markets could demand a shift in a business model. At times, it can seem difficult (even impossible) to weather these extraneous forces -- especially ... Read More
OUTRAGEOUS COMPLIANCE; RCSA
Risk & Control Self-Assessments (RCSA) have become a handy tool to communicate to management, regulators and others that an organization has conducted an analysis of their risks to understand both the severity and likelihood of the occurrence of an event. Each ... Read More
Today’s small business operate within the fastest moving commercial environment in history. While startups are in their early stages, the demand for technology are typically relatively basic. However these needs can expand quickly as the business starts to get traction and founders ... Read More
Human resources software is one of the most powerful tools that you can invest in for your business. Functions range from the very basic to the incredibly complex, and no matter the type or size of your company you'll be able to find human ... Read More
The IASB has issued amendments to the IFRS for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs), after completing its first comprehensive review of the standard. The objective of the review was to consider implementation experience and developments in full IFRS since IFRS for SMEs was issued in 2009 and make ... Read More
When a crisis hits your organisation, how will you find out about it as a board member? Through employees, customers, or maybe virally through social media?
Hopefully though, your organisation has a well-prepared and well-rehearsed crisis plan, in which case you will most likely learn about the facts of the crisis ... Read More
FROM next year, the Risk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN), partnering the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), will be awarding Risk Management Certification to practitioners and others aiming to build a career in the field.
This followed the signing of ... Read More
The transition to the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) 2025 is now in its active delivery stage. As of MAY 2026, the "grace period" of the new regime is ending, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has begun active enforcement. Understanding the specific windows for compliance and the penalties for missing them is new to avoiding financial sanctions. It is worth noting that NTA 2025 is not newly introduced. Compliance window or offenses instead the framework is designed to bring absolute clarity to taxpayers.
Timeline of Enforcement The transition followed a phased "Activation" model: June 26, 2025: President Tinubu signed the four primary Reform Bills. The Nigeria Revenue Service Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Tax Act and Joint Revenue Board Act became legally effective on this date to allow for the structural rebranding of the FIRS to the NRS. January 1, 2026: The Commencement Date. All new tax rates (including the 0% rate for small businesses 30% for large companies and the 4% Development Levy) and administrative procedures became mandatory. April - June 2026: The First Filing Cycle. Companies with a December 31 year-end are currently navigating their first full filing period under the unified NTA 2025 rules. January 1, 2028: The sunset date for certain Free Trade Zone exemptions. After this date, entities in these zones will be fully liable for tax on sales to the customs territory.
Timelines for Filing and Extensions The Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025 has harmonized filing deadlines across the country. Standard Deadlines Company Income Tax (CIT): Must be filed within 6 months after the end of the company's accounting year. VAT & Withholding Tax: Returns must be submitted on or before the 21st day of the following month (for VAT) and 30th day (for WHT) of the following month. PAYE: Must be remitted on or before 10th day of the following month. Extensions The NRS may grant an extension for filing if a taxpayer applies before the deadline and provides a valid reason (e.g., system outages or serious technical difficulties). Note: An extension of the filing date does not automatically extend the payment date . You may still be required to make a "provisional payment" to avoid interest charges while the extension is active.
Enforcement of the Act: “New Teeth" The NRS has significantly more autonomy than the previous FIRS. They are now empowered to enforce compliance through automated and digital means. Digital Focalization The NRS is deploying a "single window" digital platform. Enforcement is now largely automated: Automatic Flags: The system automatically flags businesses that have a turnover above ₦100M (tracked via bank records) but are still claiming the 0% "Small Company" tax rate. Technology Access: Refusing to grant the NRS access to your business's digital accounting systems for an audit carries a massive penalty of ₦1,000,000 for the first day and ₦10,000 for every day the refusal continues. Modern Sanctions (The "Cost of Failure") The 2026 penalty regime is designed to make non-compliance more expensive than the tax itself: Offense | Penalty (2026 Rates) Failure to Register for Tax ₦50,000 first month; ₦25,000 each subsequent month. Failure to File Returns ₦100,000 first month; ₦50,000 each subsequent month. Late Remittance of WHT Original tax + 10% penalty + Interest at CBN rate. False Refund Claims 100% of the amount claimed + interest. Obstruction of Officers ₦1,000,000 administrative penalty + potential imprisonment. Strategic Advice: With the ₦100,000 initial penalty for simple filing defaults, the NRS is signaling that "silence" is no longer an option. Even for small businesses with 0% tax liability, filing a "Nil Return" is the only way to prove compliance and avoid automated fine
