You’ve prepared your return. You’ve entered the figures. You’re ready to click SUBMIT…
WAIT!
Before that final click, take a breath.
Because sometimes, the biggest tax filing problems don't come from complicated tax rules.
They come from small mistakes that could have been avoided.
Think of your tax return like an important document going on a journey.
You don't just put it in the envelope and throw it out the window!
You check the name.
You check the address.
You check the contents.
Then you send it.
Let's look at some common filing traps — and how to avoid them.
TRAP #1 — Missing the Filing Deadline
“Ah! I still have time.”
Then suddenly…
DEADLINE!
Leaving your return until the last minute can increase the risk of late filing, errors, incomplete information or technical difficulties.
Smart move:Know your applicable deadline and prepare early.
Don't race the deadline. Beat it.
TRAP #2 — Using the Wrong Taxpayer Details
A small mistake in your:
Name
TIN
Taxpayer identification details
Address
Contact information
Business information
can create unnecessary problems.
Smart move:Before submitting, make sure the return belongs to you or the correct taxpayer and that your details are accurate.
TRAP #3 — Choosing the Wrong Return or Filing Period
Imagine preparing the correct information…
…but filing it under the wrong return type or wrong period.
That's like putting the right letter into the wrong envelope.
Smart move:Check:
RIGHT RETURN + RIGHT TAX PERIOD
before you begin entering your figures.
TRAP #4 — Guessing Your Figures
“Hmm… I think this should be about ₦500,000.”
STOP!
Tax returns should be based on appropriate records and information — not guesswork.
Smart move:Use your:
income records
business records
Sometimes taxpayers remember the main source of income…
…and completely forget another one.
Your return should reflect the information required under the applicable tax rules.
Smart move:Before filing, ask yourself:
“Have I considered all the income and other information that I am required to report?”
Don't let one forgotten item become tomorrow's headache.
relevant financial records
payment/supporting documents
other applicable tax records
Make sure the figures you report can be supported.
TRAP #5 — Forgetting a Source of Income
Sometimes taxpayers remember the main source of income…
…and completely forget another one.
Your return should reflect the information required under the applicable tax rules.
Smart move:Before filing, ask yourself:
“Have I considered all the income and other information that I am required to report?”
Don't let one forgotten item become tomorrow's headache.
TRAP #6 — Ignoring Supporting Documents
You've entered the figures.
Everything looks beautiful.
Then you realize:
“Wait… where is the document supporting this?”
Where supporting documents are required, make sure they are available and, where applicable, properly attached or retained.
Smart move:Keep your supporting documents organized before you start filing.
TRAP #7 — Trusting the Calculation Without Checking
Technology can make filing easier.
But easier does not mean:
“Click submit and close your eyes.”
Always review the information and calculations presented before submitting.
Smart move:ENTER → REVIEW → CHECK → SUBMIT
Not:
ENTER → PANIC → SUBMIT!
TRAP #8 — Forgetting Tax Already Paid or Deducted
Depending on the return and applicable rules, you may have relevant tax payments, deductions, credits or other amounts that should be properly reflected.
Smart move:Keep evidence of relevant payments or deductions and check that the information reported in your return is consistent with your records.
TRAP #9 — Submitting Twice Because You're Not Sure the First One Worked
You click SUBMIT.
Nothing seems to happen.
So you click again.
And again.
Easy!
Before making another submission, check whether the first submission was actually successful.
Smart move:Look for the appropriate:
submission confirmation
acknowledgement
reference number
filing status
Then keep the evidence.
TRAP #10 — Finding an Error and Doing Nothing
You submit your return.
Later, you notice:
“Oh no! I entered the wrong figure!”
Don't panic.
And don't simply ignore it.
Smart move:STOP → CHECK → CORRECT → CONFIRM
Follow the applicable amendment or correction process and keep evidence of what you did.
Remember:
A discovered mistake is easier to deal with when you act promptly.
TRAP #11 — Filing… Then Losing Everything!
You successfully file your return.
Congratulations!
Three months later:
“Where is my acknowledgement?”
“Where is the payment receipt?”
“Where did I save that document?”
Don't let your successful filing become a successful disappearance act!
Smart move:Keep copies of important:
tax returns
acknowledgements
assessments
payment evidence
supporting documents
relevant tax communications
Store them securely and back them up where appropriate.
Your tax filing survival code
Before you hit SUBMIT, remember:
RIGHT PERSONMake sure you're filing for the correct taxpayer.
RIGHT RETURNChoose the applicable return.
RIGHT PERIODCheck the tax period carefully.
RIGHT FIGURESUse accurate, supportable information.
RIGHT DOCUMENTSHave required supporting documents ready.
RIGHT TIMEKnow and meet the applicable deadline.
RIGHT RECORDSSave your acknowledgement and supporting evidence.
The golden rule
DON'T JUST FILE. FILE SMART.Take your time before submission.
Check your information.
Check your figures.
Check your documents.
Check your filing period.
Then submit with confidence.
And if you discover a mistake later?
Don't hide from it. Don't panic. Take the appropriate steps to correct it.
Quick check
You've completed your return and you're about to submit.
You notice that one of the figures doesn't match your supporting record.
What should you do?
A. Submit anyway — maybe nobody will notice.
B. Delete everything and start crying.
C. Stop, review the information and correct the error before submitting.
D. Submit twice just to be safe.
Correct answer: CSTOP → CHECK → CORRECT → SUBMIT
That's how you turn a possible filing problem into a simple correction before it becomes a bigger one.
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