By Remi Johnson
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service has commenced a 4 day sensitization road walk show to educate all taxable residents on the need to be tax compliant.
The walk Show is also targeted at giving visibility to the activities of the Agency with a view to hitting its 202 billion naira target for the year 2022.
Leading the walk show in Abuja, the Acting Executive Chairman FCT IRS, Mr Haruna Abdullahi appealed to taxable Nigerians to file their annual returns for 2021 on or before the end of March 2022.
The FCT IRS which is the only State IRS in Nigeria that is established by the National Assembly had achieved tremendous feat in its revenue drive, and surpassed its 2021 target amid COVID 19 pandemic, making it the second highest revenue generating State in Nigeria.
Speaking on the essence of the road walk show, Mr Abdullahi explained that to build a good road, provide potable water among others, required the contributions of all taxable payers. Hence the need to get them properly informed about FCT IRS operations.
“The essence is to create awareness on our operations. To let people know that FCT IRS exist… To get more people to file their annual tax returns and to some extent enlighten the public on their responsibilities, civic duties to the country and FCT in particular. For many to know that FCT IRS is here, FCT IRS has come to stay, FCT IRS is providing very important national service ” Abdullahi said
The Acting Executive Chairman FCT IRS who noted that the Agency had adopted January to sensitise tax payers towards being responsive and committed to paying their taxes, hinted that the Agency would begin the enforcement of the tax law within the year.
“We expect every individual resident in Abuja to file returns… and for Organizations on or before 31st of March. 31st March is the deadline for filing all tax returns. Non compliance comes with penalties. And the intention is that FCT IRS will enforce… We are not competing with any State, but what we are doing is specifically geared towards hitting our target… the sensitisation is not only to the city, but the whole area councils”
The FCT IRS tax Boss also encouraged all tax payers to take advantage of the FCT IRS Call Center to make their enquiries whenever the need arises.
On his part, the Director of Tax Operation FCT IRS, Mr Malik Tukur warned that tax evasion attracts sanctions.
” In other Climes people are arrested for evading taxes. we want everyone to file their annual returns as and when due” Malik said.
Also, the Director Human Resource, FCT IRS, Mr Mohammed Jada who also spoke on the efficiency drive of the Agency, assured that’s the Agency would embark on training and retraining of staff towards building their capacity for maximum service delivery.
The FCT IRS road walk show started at the Old Parade Ground to Area One, Through Garki, Apo and Gudu ended at FCT IRS in Kaura District.