By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has warned tax defaulters who evade payment to desist from such act as it hinders efforts towards improving the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, source of the Territory.
Bello noted that their actions are not only morally wrong but also a serious criminal offence which attracts severe penalties.
The minister gave this warning today in Abuja at a Town hall meeting organized by the Intern Revenue Service (FCT- IRS) , to enlighten FCT residents on the need for issuance of Tax Clearance Certificate for tax payers in the Territory.
He stressed that for the Administration to continue to provide world class infrastructure in the city, there is need to improve the revenue base, adding that this can only be achieved by a robust policy where all FCT residents pay their taxes for the overall development of the city
“As residents and business owners, you have a sacred responsibility of paying your tax to help the Administration in ensuring the FCT that we desire.”
I therefore, use this opportunity to send a note of strong warning to tax evaders to desist from their actions”, he stressed.
According to the minister, the efforts of the FCT- IRS, with the cooperation of residents has earned FCT the position of the second highest internally generating city in the country.
He noted that the Administration is however mindful of complaints of multiple taxation and other taxation related challenges.
“This matter is also of grave concern to us and we are taking measures to resolve the issue because it also impacts
negatively on our efforts of encouraging investment in the
Territory.”
The minister also commended the Acting Executive Chairman and
management of the FCT -IRS for the initiative of holding the Town Hall meeting to educate residents and other stakeholders on the import of the Tax policy which is designed to benefit all.
Acting Executive Chairman FCT-IRS, Haruna Y. Abdullahi, said while working towards ensuring provision of Taxpayer-centric services, it will not hesitate to take punitive
measures against defaulters.
Abdullahi however urged FCT
residents and other stakeholders to choose voluntary compliance over compulsion, which maybe the last resort .
He noted that the growth and development of the FCT can easily be achieved when residents of the FCT pay their taxes as and when due.
Abdullahi emphazied the need to demand for Tax Verification by individuals and Financial institutions.
Meanwhile, he warned that the failure to demand and verify a Tax Clearance Certificate presented by an individual is liable to sanctions and possible conviction with a fine of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) or three
years imprisonment or both the fine and imprisonment according to the relevant tax laws.
“As the relevant tax authority for Personal Income Tax administrations, we have a vital role to play in ensuring strict adherence to the contents of this publication.”
The FCT-IRS has trained its staff on effective monitoring and enforcement procedures as well as investigation for violations of any aspect of the tax laws, Abdullahi said.
Daybreak reports that present at the Town Hall meeting were Chairmen of FCT Area Councils, representatives from CBN, FMSDAs, FCT-SDAs, Corporate and financial institutions.
