Rivers State governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, yesterday flagged off the Rivers State Tax Management System (RIVTAMIS) in a bid to enhance the ease of doing business and eliminate multiple taxation.
The governor also launched the issuance of the Rivers State Tax Identification Number (RIVTIN) and received the first RIVTIN card from the Executive Chairman of Rivers Internal Revenue Service, RIRS, Mr Adoage Norteh.
Speaking at the flag-off of RIVTAMIS and RIVTIN, Wike said the innovations are part of his administration’s commitment to entrenching platforms for the ease of doing business.
He stated that the new tax reform packages will identify all formal and informal businesses in the state, noting that the details will help the state government plan for development.
The governor said, “with the digital platforms, tax payments can be made from anywhere. From April 1, 2018 all businesses are required to obtain their RIVTIN to pay taxes, levies and fines to the Rivers State government.
“All banks have been mobilised to generate RIVTIN for all those who want to make payments to the Rivers state government. Any business that fails to comply by June 1, 2018 will be appropriately sanctioned.”
Chairman of RIRS, Mr Adoage Norteh, who said the tax place has been sanitised to check multiple taxation, adding that the process will facilitate the tax payment process, enhance self-service and improve the revenue of the state.
Norteh said, “right from the comfort of your office, you can obtain your tax clearance certificate and tax exemption.”
He stated that the tax payer has a duty to reciprocate the tax friendliness of the state government.
President of Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Industry, Mr Emi Membere-Otaji said the business community is pleased by the innovations that have eliminated multiple taxation.
Spokesman of Heritage Bank, Mr F.B Briggs assured the state government that banks will cooperate to ensure that the programme succeeds.
