From Lateef Taiwo
Chairman Chartered Institute of Taxation Of Nigeria (CITN), Abakaliki and District Society, Dr Justina Nnachi has stressed the need to address the issues of multiple taxation on taxpayers amidst hardship by the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal Government.
Nnachi stated this on Monday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi capital during her 2023 enlightenment week programme to educate the people about their rights and responsibilities regarding taxes.
She stated that it has become necessary to enlighten the tax payers on the benefits of paying their taxes, fornoting the effort of the Institute in harmonizing the issues of multiple taxation.
“The Federal Government has promised us better things and we are hopeful, and we know if things are better, people will pay their taxes.Taxes are paid from income earned. If people earn their income under conducive and friendly government policies and environment people will happily pay their taxes.
“To a large extend we are working assiduously to curb the issues of multiple taxations.Taxes should be streamlined so that the taxpayers don’t feel the burden of paying one tax various times”.
She commended the effects of the ongoing enlightenment campaign and the compliance of the taxpayers that have generated over 5.5 Trillion naira for the FIRS.
“The enlightenment is ongoing and I believe people are waking up to their responsibilities. So far, the FIRS has collected over 5.5 trillion naira during the first quarter, meaning the taxpayers are complying in their responsibilities.” she added.
immediate past Chairman of CITN Abakiliki and District also, south-East Chairman, Barr.George Ukpai, said the Institute is currently grappling with the issues of multiple taxation.
He noted that the Federal Government has set up a committee to harmonize taxes paid by investors as well as well other classes of taxpayers .
“Presently we have not less than fifty-two different types of taxes being collected in the country and it is expected that it would be harmonized to about ten.
“why it is necessary is that it would help improve investment climate, make investment environment smooth and friendly to investors. Yes we agree that the essence of taxation is to generate revenue to support the government, but you do not tax businesses out of existence,” Ukpai said.
He emphasized that taxes should be duly regulated to enable the taxpayers to achieve voluntary compliance devoid of brigandage and violence.
He called for a fiscal policy review that will cushion the effects of the removal of the fuel subsidy and grant targeted tax incentives to the tax paying public.
Speaking at event, Mr Joseph Ugbor, the former Chairman of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Board, said there is need for appropriate tax education to enable taxpayers to know the impact of their taxe money in the society.
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