Tax Appeal Tribunal begins digital operations to boost reforms

The Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) says it has commenced digital operations as part of efforts to improve tax compliance and to allow taxpayers contest assessments considered to be “bogus or unmerited from the comfort of their homes”

It added that apart from helping to boost confidence in the tax system, digital operations will also reduce delays in the determination of cases brought before the tribunal as well as reduce the stress of traveling from one place to another to file cases.

The coordinating secretary of the tribunal, Bolanle Oniyangi made this known during the annual retreat of the Tax Appeal Tribunal in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

She said the tribunal since its establishment in 2007 has handled many cases bordering on disputes from the various laws in the country, including the Personal Income Tax Act, the Petroleum Profit Tax Act, the Stamp Duty Act, the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act (FIRS) Tax Act and other laws promulgated by the National Assembly and State Assemblies from time to time.

Oniyangi, who noted that the tribunal has “contributed to the tax jurisprudence and tax compliance in the country,” said it has “carried out some reforms which include e-filing.

“You don’t need to come to our offices in any of the zones, you can sit in the comfort of your home, your offices, your car, anywhere and file your case; and when you file, you will get information and confirmation that you have filed your case. The date of the case will come up, and you can even schedule e-sitting,’’ she said.

According to her, many of the cases arose from tax disputes between the tax authorities and the payers, adding that it has so far handled about 20 cases from Akwa Ibom.

In his goodwill message, Okon Okon, the chairman of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, lauded the tribunal for digital innovation, saying it would contribute significantly to the ongoing tax reforms.

Okon, who described revenue as being important in economic management, commended the tribunal for steps taken to resolve tax disputes in the country.