The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), under the leadership of Chairman Zacch Adedeji, has implemented a significant operational adjustment for the month of June 2025. Recognizing the peak of the annual Companies Income Tax filing season, with the deadline looming for businesses whose financial year concludes on December 31st, the FIRS has extended its operational hours to include weekends. This strategic move aims to provide enhanced support and facilitate a smoother filing process for taxpayers, ultimately maximizing tax collection during this crucial period. The decision underscores the FIRS’s commitment to a customer-centric approach, translating policy into tangible action that directly benefits taxpayers. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to tax administration, recognizing the importance of providing accessible services to meet the demands of the filing season.
The extended operational hours will see tax offices open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the entire month of June. This weekend service, commencing on June 14th and concluding on June 29th, offers taxpayers additional time and flexibility to fulfill their tax obligations. The FIRS recognizes that the traditional weekday operating hours may not always align with the schedules of busy businesses, and this extension provides a valuable window of opportunity for companies to interact with tax officials, seek clarification on filing procedures, and submit their returns within the stipulated deadline. This proactive measure further demonstrates the FIRS’s commitment to facilitating tax compliance and providing a supportive environment for businesses during this demanding period.
The directive for the weekend operations, endorsed by Chairman Adedeji, has been disseminated throughout the FIRS structure. Amina Ado, Coordinating Director of the Large Taxpayers Group; Dr. Dick Irri, Coordinating Director of the Government and Medium Taxpayers Group; and Kabir Abba, Coordinating Director of the Emerging Taxpayers Group, have jointly communicated the management’s decision to all staff within their respective groups. This coordinated approach ensures that the extended hours are uniformly implemented across all tax offices, ensuring consistency and accessibility for taxpayers regardless of their size or sector. The involvement of these key coordinating directors reinforces the importance of this initiative and demonstrates a concerted effort to streamline the tax filing process.
The FIRS’s decision to extend its operating hours reflects a broader shift towards a more service-oriented approach to tax administration. By recognizing the practical challenges faced by businesses during the peak filing season, the FIRS is actively working to mitigate these challenges and create a more conducive environment for tax compliance. This customer-centric approach aims to build trust and foster a stronger relationship between the tax authority and taxpayers, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective tax system. By providing additional support and accessibility, the FIRS is signaling its commitment to working collaboratively with businesses to ensure smooth and timely tax filings.
The June filing deadline carries significant weight, as it marks the culmination of the financial year for many companies. Timely filing is not only a legal obligation but also a critical element of responsible financial management. By extending its operating hours, the FIRS is proactively addressing potential bottlenecks and ensuring that businesses have ample opportunity to fulfill their obligations. This reduces the likelihood of late filings, penalties, and potential disruptions to business operations. The FIRS’s approach recognizes the importance of supporting businesses in meeting their tax responsibilities, contributing to a more stable and predictable business environment.
This initiative undertaken by the FIRS under Chairman Adedeji’s leadership signifies a positive step towards modernizing tax administration and improving the taxpayer experience. By aligning its operations with the needs of the business community, the FIRS is promoting a culture of compliance and fostering a more collaborative relationship between taxpayers and the tax authority. This move is expected to streamline the tax filing process, reduce administrative burdens on businesses, and ultimately enhance the efficiency of tax revenue collection. The extension of operating hours represents a concrete example of the FIRS’s commitment to providing practical solutions that benefit both taxpayers and the broader tax system.
