JUST IN: FG Releases Guidelines for Transition to New Tax Regime in 2026

The Federal Government has unveiled fresh guidelines to steer Nigeria’s transition into a new tax regime scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The new directive provides clarity on how tax-related matters will be handled as the country moves away from the existing tax structure to the framework established under the Tax Acts 2025.

The guidelines, released on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Finance, are expected to guide taxpayers, revenue agencies, tax consultants, and other stakeholders through the transition period.

According to the government, the framework addresses key issues surrounding the implementation of the new tax laws, particularly on matters involving existing tax obligations, ongoing audits, pending disputes, tax incentives, and transactions that may overlap between both regimes.

Speaking on the development, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said the guidelines were designed to ensure a smooth transition without creating uncertainty for taxpayers or revenue authorities.

“The Guidelines are anchored on three key principles — clarity, fairness and administrative certainty,” Oyedele said.

The government explained that tax liabilities and obligations tied to periods before January 1, 2026, will continue to be governed by the old tax laws.

This means assessments, audits, investigations, disputes, and enforcement actions relating to the period before the new regime takes effect will still be handled under the repealed legal framework.

Similarly, tax returns linked to accounting periods ending before January 2026 will be filed under the current laws. However, all tax returns due from January 1, 2026, onward will fall under the new legal structure.

The Tax Acts 2025 consist of four major laws introduced as part of Nigeria’s tax reform agenda.

They include the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act.

Authorities say the reforms are aimed at simplifying tax administration, improving compliance, and strengthening revenue generation across the country.

The government also moved to reassure businesses and investors currently enjoying tax reliefs under the old regime.

According to the guidelines, all existing tax exemptions and incentives granted under repealed laws will remain valid until their expiration dates.

This is expected to provide stability and reduce concerns among businesses that secured approvals before the introduction of the new tax laws.

However, applications still under review, as well as new requests for tax incentives, will now be assessed under the provisions of the Tax Acts 2025.

The guidelines further clarify the treatment of income taxes, transaction taxes, development levies, and record-keeping requirements during the transition period.

Special attention was also given to transactions that may begin under the old tax system but conclude after the new regime comes into force.

The Ministry of Finance said the directive is intended to ensure consistency in implementation across all revenue collection bodies.

These include the Nigeria Revenue Service, State Internal Revenue Services, the FCT Internal Revenue Service, and Local Government Revenue Committees.

The Federal Government described the new tax regime as a major step in its broader fiscal reform agenda.

Officials say the reforms are expected to build a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly tax system capable of supporting long-term economic growth.