The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) has advised residents of their responsibility in tax payment compliance and enlighten stakeholders on new tax reforms to increase revenue base of the state.
Speaking at the sensitisation programme, held at the Banquet hall of the government house in Ilorin, the Executive Chairman of the Agency, Shade Omoniyi said the advice became necessary due to the agency’s observation of a lack of adequate information and knowledge on the part of the taxpayers which has been hindering the agency’s performance.
According to her, taxation is the lifeblood of any economy, adding that It is through the faithful payment of taxes that the government can provide critical infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, and other essential public services.
She said tax compliance remains a significant hurdle that requires deliberate strategies, collaboration, and continuous stakeholder dialogue.
Mrs Omoniyi explained that the sensitisation programme has been thoughtfully designed to address some of the pressing issues surrounding tax compliance and to provide practical insights for all stakeholders.
In his paper presentation on the implication of non-compliance, the head of department of Corporate Planning Unit of the Agency, Muhammed Audu, said failure to pay tax, under reporting income, non-filling annual returns, overstating deductions among other offences attract penalties such as N50,000 for individuals and N500,000 for Corporate organization or six months imprisonment.
Other papers presented included, ‘Harmonized bill and other taxes collectables by the service’ delivered by the agency Director of MDAs, Omotayo Ayinla. ‘Practical guide on filling of annual returns for corporate organizations and individuals’ delivered by HOD Tax Audit, Mohammed Rufai. ‘Payment options and processes’ by HOD Corporate Tax, Kuburat Yinusa. ‘Withholding tax regulation 2024 and proposed tax reform’ delivered by HOD tax assessment, Abdullahi Gegele.
Participants were given time to ask questions with corresponding answers and they were put through practical ways of filling tax on the website of the agency, warning that manual tax filling is no longer allowed.
