The Federal Government has unveiled operational guidelines for the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, providing a clear framework for the shift from existing tax laws to a new national tax system scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026. According to the guidelines released in Abuja, tax filings covering periods that end before January 1, […]
The Federal Government has unveiled operational guidelines for the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, providing a clear framework for the shift from existing tax laws to a new national tax system scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026.
According to the guidelines released in Abuja, tax filings covering periods that end before January 1, 2026 will be handled under the repealed tax legislation, while any returns due from that date will be processed under the new tax laws.
The policy document is aimed at ensuring smooth compliance by taxpayers, consultants, revenue authorities and other stakeholders as Nigeria transitions into a restructured tax administration system.
It further explains that all tax matters such as assessments, disputes, audits and enforcement actions tied to periods before the new regime will continue under the old legal framework.
The Tax Acts 2025 comprise several key laws, including those establishing the Nigeria Revenue Service and other revenue agencies, with staggered commencement dates, particularly January 1, 2026 for the Nigeria Tax Act.
The guidelines also clarify that existing tax incentives and exemptions granted under previous laws will remain valid until their agreed expiration dates, while new requests will be evaluated under the new system.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the guidelines are designed to prevent confusion during the transition and ensure that the new tax laws are not applied retrospectively.
He added that the reforms are built on principles of transparency, fairness and administrative stability, aimed at improving Nigeria’s tax system and strengthening economic growth.