Ekiti debunks imposition of multiple taxation
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
The Ekiti State government has debunked insinuations of imposition of multiple taxation or introduction of new ones on people in the state.
Speaking during a meeting with the management of the State Internal Revenue Service, led by the agency’s Chairman, Mr. Olaniran Olatona, at the weekend, the state Commissioner for Information, Right Honourable Taiwo Olatunbosun, explained that “the remarkable growth in revenue generation” is a direct consequence of blocking loopholes and deploying technology for the collection of revenue as well as ensure the money collected is judiciously spent on development.
Olatunbosun, who described the purported protest as misguided, stressed the commitment of the state government to ensure that the people pay fair tax, adding that the state’s tax system had been designed to be progressive, transparent and neutral.
READ ALSO: FCT Police to engage judiciary over lenient punishments for criminals
Noting that the Best of Judgment (BOJ) assessment remained the most reasonable and globally accepted tax practice that could help ensure that all eligible taxpayers contribute fairly to Ekiti State’s economic development,
Olatunbosun said it only applied in cases where taxpayers failed to submit accurate and complete financial records as required by law.
The commissioner advised taxpayers to seek clarification in any of the EKIRS offices, and take advantage of available dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce misunderstandings and misgivings.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Olatona, reiterated the commitment of his agency to promotion of equity, accountability, and sustainable economic development “through a simple, transparent, just and fair tax system.”
According to him, any taxpayer who disagreed with a BOJ assessment had the right to object and provide supporting financial records for a review, stressing that the agency remained open to dialogue and fair resolution of disputes through appropriate channels.
“We run an open door policy and my office is open to attend to complaints and enquiries round the clock. We are indeed for the development of the state and we will continue to sensitize the people on the essence of paying tax while our officials would be humane but firm,” he said.
