By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Determined to ensure compliance in the payment of taxes for state development, the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, (BIRS) under the leadership of the Acting Chairman, Mr.Emmanuel Agema and his team have sealed up business enterprises comprising of schools, hotels and hospitals for tax evasion and non filling of annual tax returns.
A statement by the spokesperson of BIRS, Mrs. Jacinta Benard, informed that the operation was carried out on Monday in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, by members of the BIRS enforcement team alongside some security operatives.
Some of the organizations sealed are: Emory Specialist Hospital, Vincal Pharmacy, Graceland Suites, City Hospital, Peniel College, ECWA Secondary School, Rose Asase Schools, New Hotel Lucia and River Side Hotel.
The statement revealed that the sealing of these properties and assets were necessary due to non filling of annual returns and their non remittance of due taxes to the state government over a period of time even after issuance of series of demand notices and reminder letters notifying them of their obligations.
According to the statement “Justice, Maurice A. Ikpambese of Benue State High Court in compliance with the section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act 2011 and section 41(1)(3)(4) of the Benue State Internal Revenue Law 2022 issued a warrant to seal the named organisations.”
The BIRS boss, the statement noted, has reiterated his firm commitment towards adapting legal measures which included compliance enforcement and other regulatory actions to ensure that tax payers do not default.
“This is in line with the agency’s mandate to enforces tax compliance by individuals, businesses, and organizations operating in the State which involves conducting tax audits, investigations, and taking appropriate actions against tax defaulters.”
While insisting that the operation would continue to ensure full compliance in all local government areas of the state, the Chairman called on all tax payers, businesses, individuals and organizations to fulfill their civil obligations by complying with tax authorities and remitting necessary taxes due to them as it would no longer business as usual.
He sued for reciprocation as the government was fulfilling its own responsibility of paying salaries, gratuities, pension and executing sustainable developmental projects which stimulate economic activities in the state.
“Tax defaulters should ensure to pay their taxes when due for government to embark on more projects for the development of the state and the benefit of every Benue Citizen”, he said.
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