If you’ve been hearing those whispers about the Nigerian government planning to strictly monitor tax payments from 2026, just know it’s not gist again, it’s real. The government has finally said, “Enough is enough, it’s time to track who is paying tax and who is forming ghost.” Honestly, in 2026, tax compliance in Nigeria will be in full effect.
Before you panic, breathe.
This blog will break everything down simply, calmly, and without grammar headache, so you’ll know:
- What the new 2026 strict tax enforcement means
- Who it affects (spoiler: almost everybody)
- How to register, get your TIN, file, and pay your tax
- The penalties you can avoid
- What to do right now before 2026 knocks on the door
Let’s dive in.
What Exactly Is Happening in 2026?
From 2026, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), now rebranded and renamed as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), plans to tighten tax compliance. In simple English:
- They want to track citizens and businesses more accurately
- They want people to pay their taxes regularly
- They want to reduce tax evasion
- They want to block loopholes in the system
This means that:
- Salary earners
- Small business owners
- Freelancers
- Entrepreneurs
- Influencers
- Content creators
- Agents
- Vendors
- Anyone running a business, online or offline
…will now be expected to take tax payment seriously.
And honestly? It’s better to start preparing now before the enforcement begins fully in 2026.
Who Needs to Pay Tax in Nigeria? (Spoiler: Almost Everyone)
Here’s the simple guideline:
You need to pay tax if:
✔ You earn income
✔ You run a business (registered or unregistered)
✔ You sell products or services
✔ You work as a freelancer, remote worker, or contractor
✔ You’re a salary earner
✔ You have a side hustle you make money from
Even if your village people don’t know your business, FIRS (now NRS) wants to know it from 2026.
Step 1: Get Your TIN (Tax Identification Number)
Your TIN is the number that identifies you as a taxpayer. Without it, you can’t properly register or pay tax.
How to Get Your TIN (Individuals):
- Go to the FIRS (now NRS) official website
- Click on Register for TIN
- Fill the form
- Upload the required documents (ID card, BVN, NIN, etc.)
- Get your TIN emailed to you
To learn more, check out this post on How to Register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Nigeria: Complete 2026 Step-by-Step Guide.
If You Have a Business (CAC Registered):
Your business will also need a TIN — this is different from your personal one.
Small business owners can confirm registration processes through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal.
Step 2: Understand the Type of Tax You’re Supposed to Pay
For Salary Earners:
Your employer deducts PAYE tax monthly.
But some companies don’t remit it — so you must still verify your tax status.
For Business Owners & Freelancers:
You pay:
- Personal Income Tax (PIT)
- Company Income Tax (if registered as a company)
- VAT (if applicable)
- Small business tax rate (depends on earnings)
Step 3: File Your Returns (Yearly)
A lot of Nigerians don’t know this:
Even if you didn’t make money during the year, you are supposed to file your returns as a taxpayer.
FIRS (now NRS) wants to see:
- Your income
- Your expenses
- Proof of tax paid
- Proof of business activities
This will become compulsory from 2026.
Step 4: Pay Your Tax (The Actual Payment)
After filing, the FIRS (renamed as NRS) calculates how much you owe and gives you a payment reference.
You can pay via:
- Banks
- Online platforms
- FIRS (NRS) offices
- Remita
Keep your receipt o — in Nigeria, documentation can save your destiny.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply by 2026?
You may face:
- Penalties
- Fines
- Business closure
- Extra charges
- Trouble with bank accounts or business transactions
- Inability to register business or get licences
This is not the era to form “I no know.”
2026 will not be friendly.
How to Prepare Now (Before 2026 Comes Like a Thief in the Night)
Here’s your checklist:
✔ Get your TIN
✔ Decide whether you’re paying as an individual or as a business
✔ Register your business (if needed)
✔ Track your income and expenses
✔ Start filing your returns yearly
✔ Pay small-small taxes to get familiar with the process
✔ Ask questions early — don’t wait for deadline wahala
Conclusion: 2026 Is Not the Time for Surprise
Dear Nigerians, this 2026 strict tax enforcement is not to scare you — it’s to help you prepare.
Because whether we like it or not, the government is ready, and compliance will be serious.
But you?
You’re reading this now, so you’re ahead of the curve already.
Get your TIN.
Register your tax profile.
File your returns.
Pay what is due.
No panic, just preparation.
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