The Anambra State Government has announced the commencement of the enforcement of payment of all outstanding tax liabilities by businesses and individuals in the state with effect from April 1.
According to data computed by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) the outstanding tax arrears stood at N513.9 billion owed by about 2.1 million taxpayers.
A statement by the Deputy Director/Head, Taxpayer Education and Enlightenment Team of AIRS, Mrs. Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige, indicated that the newly appointed Chairman of AIRS, Mr. Richard Madiebo, had said that the enforcement would also cover social bills, including signages and waste management.
The immediate past chairman of the revenue agency, Dr. David Nzekwu, said the agency had “generated a total collectible bill of N513.9 billion as at January 2022 against 2.1 million taxpayers in the state.
”This means that if my successor can ensure payment of this bill by indebted individuals, and they begin to make payment, the government will have a lot of money”, he added.
Determined to boost the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), the new Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo-led administration has expressed its determination to recover all tax arrears and use the revenue to develop the state.
In furtherance of the fiscal policy stance of the new government, the new Chairman of the AIRS has, therefore, appealed to residents to check the Anambra Social Service Identity (ANSSID) portal for their status and ensure timely tax filing and payment.
Madiebo said: “The enforcement team from AIRS will be enforcing payment of taxes and levies, including Business Premises Permit, Waste Management (ASWAMA), Signage (ANSAA) and fire service compliance.
“Anambra residents are advised by this announcement to check their ANSSID status to confirm if they have paid. They can visit any commercial bank of their choice using their ANSSID number to pay”, he added.
The tax administrator also urged the taxpayers not to leave the pay-point without having evidence that the payment had entered into the state government’s account.
