FG Issues Guidelines for Transition to Tax Acts 2025
The Federal Government has issued the General Guidelines for the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, outlining how taxpayers, tax practitioners, revenue authorities, and other stakeholders will transition from the repealed tax laws to the new framework effective January 1, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Guidelines provide practical direction on managing outstanding issues under the old regime and applying the new provisions without retroactive effect.
Under the Tax Acts 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act will take effect on their respective commencement dates as enacted in each law. The Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 commences on January 1, 2026.
Tax liabilities, assessments, audits, investigations, disputes, and enforcement actions relating to periods before that date will continue to be treated under the repealed tax laws.
Tax returns for accounting periods ending before January 1, 2026 will be filed under the previous tax laws while returns falling due from January 1, 2026 onward will be administered under the new tax framework.
The document also covers the treatment of income taxes, transaction taxes, development levies, tax incentives, exemptions, record-keeping obligations, and transactions that span both the old and new regimes.
Existing tax incentives and exemptions granted under the repealed laws will remain valid until their stated expiration dates. New applications and pending requests will be considered under the provisions of the Tax Acts 2025.
Speaking on the release of the Guidelines, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said it will provide a clear framework for managing transitional issues while ensuring the new laws are not applied retrospectively.
He described the Tax Acts 2025 as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s tax reform programme, and noted that the Guidelines clarify 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 principles: clarity, fairness, and administrative certainty.
He added that the Guidelines 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.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a transparent, efficient, and modern tax system that supports economic growth, strengthens revenue administration, encourages voluntary compliance, and improves Nigeria’s investment climate.
The statement was signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of the Ministry, Efe Ovuakporie.
