The Executive Chairman of Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Mr. Igbinidu Inneh, has warned traders’ associations in the state on illegal collection of revenues.
The EIRS boss in a statement issued on Sunday by the Service’s Head, Corporate Communications Unit, Mr Eboigbe Courage, gave the warning during a meeting with members of Electronics and Computer Dealers Association of Nigeria (ECDAN) in Benin, the state capital
The tax administrator, who was represented by the Executive Director, Income Tax, Prince Felix Isuku, at the parley stated: “The sole government’s institution legally recognised to collect and account for generated revenue is the EIRS.”
Inneh stressed that the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) prohibited trade associations from collecting taxes on behalf of government and charged the association’s leaders to always pay their taxes as a demonstration of their commitment to the development of the state
He expatiated: “Most states have began to chart new courses, looking inwards to generate funds to execute government projects rather than depending on revenue from oil which is no longer sustainable.
“Your contribution will enable government to do more for its citizens and address issues of insecurity. Government is doing all within its power to create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive as well as provide job opportunities for Edo youths under several outfits.
“Such as Edo State Traffic and Management Agency, Public Works Volunteers, Edo State Constabulary Police, Mobile Revenue Collectors, Tax Relationship Officers among others”, the EIRS chairman stressed.
According to him, the Godwin Obaseki-led administration has exhibited leadership, transparency and capacity in the judicious utilisation of taxpayers’ money, adding that if the traders pay their taxes, they will have every right to query what government is doing about the paid taxes
Inneh pointed out that the EIRS had created multiple payment platforms for tax remittances by taxpayers, adding that some of these include, the use of Revenue Scratch Card, Internet and Point of Sales (PoS) device.
The EIRS boss warned the traders on the implications of tax evasion for their businesses as well as the benefits associated with tax compliance for their members and other residents in the state.
In his remarks, the ECDAN’s chairman, Prince Paul Ani, assured the revenue authorities of the readiness of members of the association to fulfil their tax obligations to the state and appealed for improved enlightenment of traders on their tax responsibilities by the EIRS from time time.
