By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has issued a 7-day notice to tax defaulters to fulfill their tax obligations starting today, Wednesday, December 18, 2019, saying it would soon begin a nationwide tax enforcement to bring tax evaders to book.
Acting Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mr Abiodun Aina, stated this in a statement issued by the Head of Communications and Servicom Department of the agency, Mr Wahab Gbadamosi, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr Aina said after the ultimatum elapses, the tax agency will begin tax enforcement against defaulters, who fail to fulfill their tax obligations.
The acting FIRS boss also used the notice to appeal to taxpayers to settle their tax liabilities within 7 days of the publication of the notice to avoid any inconveniences or interruptions in their operations.
“The FIRS hereby informs all taxpayers (individuals, partnerships, Enterprises, Corporate organisations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies) who are in default of payment of taxes arising from self-assessment, tax audit, tax investigation, transfer pricing audit, demand notices and any other liabilities, that the Service will commence a NATIONWIDE TAX ENFORCEMENT EXERCISE from 18th December, 2019 with a view to prosecuting defaulters and recovering all outstanding tax liabilities,” the notice said.
Mr Aina stated further that the enforcement was in line with provisions of Section 8, 26 (2), 33 and 35 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment Act, 2007).
“The taxes referred to are as follows: 1. Petroleum Profits Tax; 2. Companies Income Tax; 3. Value Added Tax; 4. Withholding Tax; 5. Tertiary Education Tax; 6. NITDA Levy; 7. Stamp Duty; 8. Capital Gains Tax,” the notice also read.
“All taxpayers are therefore strongly advised to settle their tax liabilities within 7 days of this publication to avoid any inconveniences or interruptions in your operations,” Mr Aina added.