Ekiti IRS Boss Warns Residents to File Tax Returns by March 31 or Face Penalties

The Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olaniran Olatona, has reminded individual taxpayers to file their tax returns on or before March 31, 2026, as requested by the law in order to avert legal consequences and penalties.

Mr. Olatona gave the reminder while featuring on an audience participatory simulcast radio programme in Ado Ekiti on Thursday. According to him, the tax filing will help the Service have a better sense of judgement during the assessment of individual taxpayers and businesses operating in the state.

He also announced the establishment of special courts to prosecute tax offenses like; refusal to file annual tax returns by corporate entities and individuals, tax evasion, non-disclosure of necessary tax information, harassment of revenue officials among others.

Commenting on the effects of the new tax laws on revenue generation in Ekiti, Mr. Olatona said revenue generation had not been adversely affected in the state in spite of earlier fears of potential revenue drop as a result of the new tax reforms.

He further explained that EKIRS was able to forestall the looming revenue drop due to earlier planning which resulted in more sensitization for voluntary compliance by citizens, getting more taxable persons into the tax net and creating a friendly environment for businesses to thrive.

While admitting that Ekiti still can generate more than 2.4 billion Naira per month that it is making at the moment, the Executive Chairman however said the Service does not intend to add to the burden of taxpayers and businesses. Rather, his team would make Ekiti more business friendly and when the businesses grow, more revenue will accrue to the State Government.