The Federal Government has issued general guidelines for the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, outlining the transition process from repealed tax laws to the new framework, which takes effect from January 1, 2026.
The guidelines are designed to ensure clarity, consistency, and smooth compliance for taxpayers across the country.
According to the document released on Thursday, tax returns relating to accounting periods ending before January 1, 2026, will continue to be assessed under the old tax laws.
However, returns due from January 1, 2026, onward will be governed by the new Tax Acts 2025.
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the guidelines provide a structured approach to managing transitional issues without retrospective application of the new law.
He described the enactment of the Tax Acts 2025 as a key milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform programme.
“The Guidelines are anchored on three key principles—clarity, fairness and administrative certainty. They are intended to promote uniform implementation and support effective administration across the Nigeria Revenue Service, State Internal Revenue Services, the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Local Government Revenue Committees, tax practitioners and taxpayers nationwide,” Oyedele said.
The guidelines also cover the treatment of income taxes, transaction taxes, levies, exemptions, incentives, record-keeping requirements, and transactions that span both the old and new tax regimes.
It further stated that existing incentives granted under repealed laws will remain valid until they expire, while new applications will be processed under the Tax Acts 2025 framework.
The government reiterated its commitment to building a transparent and efficient tax system that improves revenue administration, encourages voluntary compliance, supports economic growth, and enhances Nigeria’s investment climate.