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In 2026, the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has moved from random sampling to data-driven audits. Under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, an audit is no longer just a ‘check-up’; it is a rigorous verification of your tax declarations against third-party data from banks and the CAC.
The Four Stages of an NRS Audit
- Notification: You receive a formal ‘Notice of Audit’ requesting specific records for a 3 to 6-year period.
- Desk vs. Field Audit: A Desk Audit happens at the NRS office using your filed documents. A Field Audit involves officers visiting your premises to inspect physical ledgers.
- Reconciliation: This is the ‘meeting of minds’ where you explain discrepancies between your books and your tax compliance status.
- Final Assessment: The NRS issues a ‘Notice of Refusal to Amend’ or an ‘Additional Assessment’ including penalties and interest.
To avoid a painful audit, ensure you follow our Audit Preparation Guide. For official audit guidelines, visit the NRS website or consult PwC Nigeria.
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