Executive Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr Hamzat Ayodele Subair
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has enjoined all taxpayers in Lagos State to be on the right side of the law and take full advantage of the 16-day grace period from 1-16 December, 2016 to remit all overdue taxes/levies and those that would fall due in the month of December in order to avoid prosecution.
The LIRS has in the last few months embarked on massive advocacy and enlightenment programmes, taking Lagos residents and taxpayers through a process of education on the laws bordering on tax administration and the need and benefits of paying taxes as and when due.
The LIRS said in a statement that in spite of the significant decline in the allocation from the federation accounts, the Lagos State government is still embarking on massive infrastructural development and renewal. These cannot be achieved if tax payers deliberately refuse to discharge their civic responsibility to the State.
“Taxpayers are hereby advised to clear all outstanding payments on or before 16 December, 2016, failing which the Lagos State Government will commence criminal prosecution of offenders, with full enforcement through distrain activities in line with relevant provisions of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 (As amended), the statement added.
The following taxes and levies are expected to be remitted to the Lagos State Government within the grace period:
* Tax Audit Liability of back years
* Personal Income Tax (PAYE, Direct Assessment, Self-Assessment)
* Withholding Tax
* Hotel Occupancy and Restaurants Consumption Tax
* Land Use Charge and Ground Rent
According to the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subair “LIRS has put all the necessary machineries in place to ensure the enforcement of the tax laws with effect from December 17, 2016 when the grace period lapses.”
He has advised all taxpayers to comply, reiterating that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on any taxable persons or corporations who fail to remit all taxes/levies due.
“The LIRS appreciates and thanks the good people of Lagos State who have continually supported the government by voluntarily paying their taxes promptly and correctly and promises to continue to act within the ambit of the law to prosecute tax evaders,” he said.