By Mary Emeka
The Federal Government has released the General Guidelines for the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, providing a framework for the transition from repealed tax laws to the new tax regime that took effect on January 1, 2026.
The Guidelines, issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, are designed to assist taxpayers, tax practitioners, revenue authorities and other stakeholders in addressing issues arising from the shift from the old tax system to the new legal framework.
The document clarifies that the Tax Acts 2025, comprising the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, will apply from their respective commencement dates as provided in the laws. Specifically, the Nigeria Tax Act took effect on January 1, 2026.
Under the Guidelines, tax liabilities, assessments, audits, investigations, disputes and enforcement actions relating to periods before the commencement date will continue to be governed by the repealed tax laws.
It further states that tax returns relating to accounting periods ending before January 1, 2026, will be filed under the previous tax regime, while returns due from that date onward will be administered under the new tax framework.
The Guidelines also address 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.
Existing tax incentives and exemptions granted under repealed laws will remain valid until their expiration dates. However, new applications and pending requests will be considered in accordance with 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 the document provides a structured approach to managing transitional issues while ensuring that the new tax laws are not applied retrospectively.
He described the Tax Acts 2025 as a major milestone in Nigeria’s tax reform programme, adding 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.
The Federal Government said 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 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 Guidelines were announced in a statement signed by Efe Ovuakporie, Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, Federal Ministry of Finance, on June 18, 2026.