“
In 2026, ‘Nil returns’ have become a major point of focus for the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). Whether your company is dormant or you qualify for the 0% ‘Small Company’ tax rate, you are not exempt from filing. Failing to submit a return because ‘there is no tax to pay’ is a mistake that triggers an automatic ₦100,000 fine on the TaxPro Max system.
Who Needs to File a Zero Return?
- Dormant Companies: Registered companies that have not yet started operations.
- Small Companies: Those with turnover ≤ ₦100 million (who owe 0% CIT).
- Loss-Making Companies: Businesses that incurred more expenses than income.
For more on the 0% threshold, read The Ultimate Guide to Company Income Tax (CIT). To understand why even zero-tax businesses are monitored, see How FIRS Regulates Business Taxes.
Step-by-Step Filing Process
- Prepare Financials: Even for nil returns, the NRS requires a ‘Statement of Affairs’ or simplified Audited Accounts.
- Log in to TaxPro Max: Use your corporate TIN and password.
- Select CIT Return: Choose the relevant Year of Assessment (YOA).
- Input Zeros: If you have no revenue, input ‘0’ in the turnover section. If you are a small company, input your actual turnover; the system will automatically apply the 0% rate.
- Submit: Upload your Statement of Affairs and click submit.
Filing a Nil return early is the best way to avoid Tax Penalties in Nigeria. If you miss the deadline (6 months after your year-end), the system will block your Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC). For support, use the NRS TaxPro Max helpdesk or consult PwC Nigeria’s SME compliance guides.
“