The Federal Government has released the General Guidelines for the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, outlining the transition process from the repealed tax laws to the new tax framework, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
A key provision of the guidelines states that tax returns relating to accounting periods ending before January 1, 2026, will continue to be filed under the repealed tax laws, while returns for accounting periods beginning on or after that date will be administered under the new tax regime.
Issued in Abuja, the guidelines provide direction to taxpayers, tax practitioners, revenue authorities and other stakeholders on managing issues arising from the transition to the new tax framework.
According to the document, the Tax Acts 2025 comprise the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act. The laws apply from their respective commencement dates, with the Nigeria Tax Act taking effect from January 1, 2026.
The guidelines further state that tax liabilities, assessments, audits, investigations, disputes and enforcement actions relating to periods before the commencement date will continue to be handled under the repealed tax laws.
They also provide guidance on the treatment of income taxes, transaction taxes, development levies, tax incentives, exemptions, record-keeping obligations and transactions that span both the old and new tax regimes.
The document clarifies that existing tax incentives and exemptions granted under the repealed laws will remain valid until their expiration dates. However, new applications and pending requests will be considered under the provisions of the Tax Acts 2025.
Speaking on the release of the guidelines, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the document provides a clear framework for managing transitional issues while ensuring that the new tax laws are not applied retrospectively.
He described the enactment of the Tax Acts 2025 as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s tax reform programme, noting that the guidelines clearly outline how existing obligations, ongoing matters and future transactions will be treated under the new regime.
According to the minister, the guidelines are anchored on three key principles: clarity, fairness and administrative certainty.
He added that the document is intended to promote uniform implementation and support effective tax administration across the Nigeria Revenue Service, State Internal Revenue Services, the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Local Government Revenue Committees, tax practitioners and taxpayers nationwide.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent, efficient and modern tax system that supports economic growth, strengthens revenue administration, encourages voluntary compliance and enhances Nigeria’s investment climate.
