**By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja**
The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has urged property owners who have received Land Use Charge (LUC) demand notices to make prompt payments in fulfillment of their civic responsibilities to the state.
Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe, made the appeal on Monday in Lokoja while briefing journalists on the importance of the Land Use Charge and the benefits of early payment.
Enehe explained that the Land Use Charge was introduced to eliminate multiple taxation and provide a more streamlined and efficient property tax system in the state.
He announced that KGIRS had approved rebates to encourage prompt payment, noting that payments made within **five days** of receiving the demand notice attract a **15% discount**, payments within **15 days** attract **10%**, while payments made within **25 days** receive a **5%** rebate.
> “Payments can be made in all bank branches across the state, as well as through Kogi State Revenue POS agents,” he stated.
The KGIRS chairman assured that revenue generated from the Land Use Charge would be utilized for infrastructure development, environmental maintenance, and the provision of adequate security across the state.
Enehe outlined the key benefits of the Land Use Charge to include accurate assessment of property values, creation of a reliable database for planning, identification and registration of properties, allocation of land for government projects, and job opportunities for local enumerators.
He further clarified that while the tax primarily applies to properties used for lease and commercial purposes, certain exemptions exist. These include:
* Properties owned and occupied by religious bodies for worship or education.
* Public cemeteries and burial grounds.
* Non-profit educational institutions and public libraries.
* Palaces of recognized traditional rulers.
* Community properties such as town halls used for public meetings.
* Properties owned and occupied by pensioners.
Enehe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency in tax administration, urging residents to take advantage of the rebates and contribute to the state’s development.
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