As part of efforts to deepen and widen the tax net of taxpayers, the State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) has entered partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The revenue service and the ant-graft agency also agreed to collaborate in combating tax fraud in the State.
John Odior, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Revenue Service and Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, the Deputy Commander and Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate of EFCC during a meeting in Benin City on Wednesday.
Odior said the visit to the Commission was to explore areas of collaboration and deepen the relationship between the two organisations.
He noted that collaboration with the EFCC had become imperative in order to bring in those who evade taxes, pay little and those who are not captured into the tax net.
“When you arrest a suspect, ask for evidence of their tax payment or tax clearance certificate.
“You can write to us to find out whether the person has been paying tax or not, and we shall provide you with the information.
“Through such information sharing more people will be captured into the tax net and improve the revenue drive of the state government”, he said.
Responding, Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad,Deputy Commander and the Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, who expressed willingness to collaborate with the Edo State Revenue Service added that the Commission has a section that deals with tax matters.
Sa’ad who described EIRS as a source of revenue for the government, assured that the Commission would ensure that those who try to evade tax payment face the consequence of their action
“We have a Tax Fraud Section which deals with issues of taxes. You can call on us anytime you have anything to share with us and we shall respond accordingly”, he added.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
