In recent weeks, two very different TikTok stars, Peller and Geh Geh, have become unlikely poster boys for a national conversation about money, fame, and most importantly, tax anxiety. Both men drew massive attention for their online earnings. Both immediately found their comment sections flooded not just with praise, but with jokes and warnings about the tax man. In Nigeria today, viral success is almost instantly recast as a liability: “LIRS is coming,” “FIRS will knock soon,” “They will tax you dry.”
That reaction is not just idle banter. It reflects a wider unease. Nigeria has just signed sweeping tax reforms that take effect on January 1, 2026. These laws broaden the taxable base, introduce new reliefs, and promise stronger enforcement. For ordinary Nigerians, especially freelancers, influencers, and small creators, this combination of uncertainty and visibility sparks real worry. But here is the truth. Panic will not pay your tax bill. Preparation will. In this piece, our analyst presents some specific steps to consider for compliance purpose.
Step 1: Know Your Status
Start with the basics. Do you have a Tax Identification Number (TIN)? If not, register now. It is free, quick, and it is your first step in moving from “tax target” to “taxpayer.” Then clarify your residency and income type. If you are a Lagos-based creator, you may still be under Lagos State’s Personal Income Tax regime. But the new Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) law centralizes much of the process, so understanding which authority you deal with will reduce anxiety. The law is complex, but your responsibility is simple: know your lane.
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Step 2: Keep Records Like a Pro
Nigerians often joke that tax officials “just slap a figure on you.” That usually happens because there are no records to dispute it. Do not let that be your story.
A. Save screenshots of your TikTok or YouTube payouts.
B. Download monthly platform earning reports.
C. Keep receipts for expenses such as data subscriptions, bank charges, ring light purchases, and even rent if you use your home as a workspace.
When the 2026 reforms talk about rent relief (20 percent of rent, capped at ?500,000), that relief is only useful if you can prove what you paid. A shoebox of receipts or a digital folder can be the difference between a fair bill and an arbitrary one.
Step 3: Understand the New Framework
There is a myth that everyone will pay crushing tax. That is not true. The new Personal Income Tax (PIT) regime includes a 0 percent band up to ?800,000. That means small creators and side hustlers may owe little or nothing. Above that, the rates are progressive, so bigger earners carry more of the load. So the next time someone jokes “They will take all your money,” you can calmly reply: “Actually, the first ?800k is free, and I get rent relief too.” Knowledge is the best antidote to fear.
Step 4: Anticipate Enforcement
Yes, enforcement is tightening. Nigeria is rolling out e-invoicing and real-time monitoring. Digital flows are easier to trace. That is why Peller’s dispute hit headlines, and why Geh Geh’s $30,000 night set comment sections ablaze. But enforcement should not scare you if you are ready. Audits and assessments will become more common, but with records and filings in order, you shift from a vulnerable target to a confident taxpayer.
Step 5: File and Budget
By law, PIT returns are due by April 30 each year. Do not wait until 2026 to test the system. Start setting aside 10 to 20 percent of gross income monthly into a “tax savings” account. That way, when your first assessment lands, you are not scrambling. DIY tax budgeting is like DIY fitness. It is less glamorous than going viral, but it saves you from painful shocks later.
Step 6: Seek Guidance, Not Gossip
Newspaper headlines and social media comment-section banter will not help you file correctly. What will help is official FIRS or NRS helplines, reputable advisory firms, or professional associations for digital creators. Many of them offer free resources. Make that your information diet.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio still lags behind Africa’s average. The 2026 reforms are not just about creators, they are about building a sustainable system. For once, creators and small business owners can lead by example by showing that compliance is possible, visible, and fair. Geh Geh and Peller may have stirred anxiety, but their stories also offer a spark. Nigerians are paying attention. That awareness is the first step toward a healthier tax culture.