Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Ebonyi State, Wednesday said it partnering the State Board of Internal Revenue Generation to boost tax payment in Ebonyi State.
Kenneth Effiong, tax controller, Abakaliki MSTO, while speaking with BusinessDay, noted that the partnership would make tax generation less cumbersome, adding that it would help the board arrest touting.
He said the reason was to streamline tax payment and curtail double taxation and activities of touts in the state, which many tax payers had fallen victim, and urged the board of Internal Revenue to sensitise tax payers in the state so that they would cooperate and make the payment smooth.
“We are partnering with the State Board of Internal Revenue to boost revenue generation in the state, curtail the activities of touts, limit double taxation , to create awareness and joint audit.
“When we are together, tax payers will know what they are suppose to pay to State Government, Local Government, and this is what I suppose to pay to Federal Government.
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He further explain that streamlining the taxation will make the taxpayers willing to pay on time, “It will create confidence in the taxpayers that are paying the money, they will know that their money is not a waste.
Effong said the board is open for partnership with other agencies towards educating the taxpayers in the suburb areas,” Like what we do here we call it tax Thursday, we have other days for office work but that Thursday is purely for enlightenment in partnership with other people, other shop owners who can give us information on people who are not paying their tax.
According to him, Value Added Tax is paid to the State by lock up shops while limited liability Companies pay to the Federal Government, “You know, this tax is where customers come to buy something you add five percent, is not from your money , is not from your interest is just five percent from the total sell of the product. You are just like an agent to the Government taking the money customers have paid on behalf of themselves to the Government.
“Income Tax is for people who have limited liability company, big companies and everything Is well streamlined,” he explained.
Effong further commended the state board of Internal Revenue for the partnership and that he has made some steps to ensure that the partnership is sustained and visible.
Justina Nnachi, manager, tax, Abakaliki Tax Office in a remark, said the idea would bring the best of tax collection so far in Ebonyi State.
Mike Chukwu, the state revenue board chairman, explained that he wants to professionalise and improve tax system in all ramification in the state, he also encouraged the staff to acquire more knowledge in tax collection in their career.
Chukwu equally said he wants to ensure that the office moves from the use of Manuel to electronic tax payment and electronic data base in the state.#
