Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has concluded plans to prosecute erring taxpayers in the nation’s capital.
The acting executive chairman of the service, Mr Haruna Abdullahi made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the head corporate communications, FCT-IRS, Mustapha Sumaila, Abdullahi said that it was no longer business as usual, as the service is committed to ensuring that all the taxpayers in FCT are accountable and responsive to their civic responsibilities.
He said the FCT-IRS is empowered by law to recover all outstanding tax liabilities as well as penalise tax defaulters and that considering the number of taxpayers in the FCT, it is shameful to see that so many of them are not complying.
“We need to change that, we are engaging the judiciary, security agencies, the media, and other relevant stakeholders on this matter. I can assure you that before the year runs out, people will be held accountable.”
“We are ready, we have built our capacity and we intend to make our mark and ensure that people do what they are supposed to do according to the law. We will be guided by the Personal Income Tax Act, Finance Act, FCT-IRS Act, and of course, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Abdullahi, who assured the tribunal of the internal capacity of the service, charged members of the tribunal to justify the confidence reposed in them by the law by working assiduously towards ensuring that recalcitrant taxpayers are brought to justice.
He stated that some of the derivable benefits the collaboration will bring to both parties and the country include voluntary tax compliance, evident growth of the tax net, awareness creation on FCT-IRS processes, and the responsibility of the Tax Appeal Tribunal. Others include stringent enforcement actions which will ultimately result to a significant boost in revenue generation.
Abdullahi said that through this step, more individuals and agencies will be held accountable for failing to pay taxes as and when due. “This is in line with the engagement being carried out by the service with the judiciary, security agencies, and other stakeholders,” he said.
In her response, the coordinating secretary of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi expressed happiness on the visit by the delegation from FCT-IRS, adding that it was important for the service to harness all areas of revenue generation as permissible by law.
She added that as a revenue-generating agency there is bound to be dispute emanating from the service, displeased taxpayers, and agencies, hence the Tax Appeal Tribunal was established.
Speaking on the benefits of the initiative, she noted that the tribunal’s processes are simple and clear with a reputation for prompt judgement delivery.
Oniyangi while lauding the acting executive chairman’s efforts and recognising the intricate role of publicity in boosting compliance, expressed delight in the initiative taken by the service to partner with the tribunal.
She also highlighted the need for the service to intensify its awareness and sensitisation efforts, stating that taxpayers cannot be entirely blamed for non-compliance if they are not duly informed about the process, pros and cons of paying their taxes.
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