The federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has organized a one day stakeholders meeting among its Rumuokwurushi customers.
The meeting which has the theme: “Credit Notes Utilization and its Challenges” was held at L. A. King Hall by Stadium Road, Port Harcourt on Thursday, September 13, 2012.
Presenting a welcome address to the participants, the Head, Tax payers service unit, Port Harcourt. Mr. Winifred Inokotong said the meeting became imperative as FIRS core values of professionalism, integrity, efficiency, ownership and collective responsibility has initiated the interactions with stakeholders to get inputs from them on the processes and operations of the service as changes demand.
Mr. Inokotong stated that proper taxation will help the federal government in national planning and development.
He pointed out that the interactive session is committed to setting standards for effective service delivery to our taxpayers.
The Head, taxpayers service unit, Port Harcourt, stated that any ideas, decision and recommendation from the stakeholders meeting will be put into consideration for the benefit of all.
In a key note address, the AG. Regional Coordinator, South-South Region, Mr. Patrick Iroro, pointed out that the spirit behind the meeting is commendable.
He said there is much to learn and more to benefit from such interactive meeting since there are several complaints and agitations on the minds of the taxpayers and their consultants on their inability to secure credit to FIRS.
Nwaiwu. C. A, Tax controller, Port Harcourt Micro and Small Tax Office,.in a paper presentation titled “Withholding Tax Administration: Challenges and Prospects,” stated the objectives of the withholding tax which is to reduce tax evasion caused by under declaration of income.
He also stated some features of the withholding tax and tax refund, while reminding participant of offences and penalties according to see 40 FIRS.
There are problems where some agents collect money without remitting the money to the FIRS, some also pay very little to the government.
It could be stated that this monies are sent to the federation account where it will be shared among states and local governments in the country. Nigerians do not like paying as stated by some of the officials because tax payers are always forced even from the days of the colonial masters, so people don’t like paying their tax which also hinder development.
Some of the tax agents said the forum was for them to know their responsibility and their obligation and the ways the federal Inland revenue service would help them meet up the demand.
The federal Inland Revenue Service stated that service from tax will be used by the federal government.
PIUS DUKOR
