TAX DEFAULT: FIRS engages Police to pursue 85,000 rich businessmen

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has sought the services of the Nigeria Police to go after over 85,000 wealthy businessmen who are perpetual tax evaders.

The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Tunde Fowler said this while receiving the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu who paid him a visit in the revenue house in Abuja on Thursday.

He explained that a review of businesses with banking turnover between N100m and N999m showed that over 85,000 with or without the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) had either made payment in past or never paid tax.

He noted that a total N5.32tn was generated as revenue for the 2018 fiscal year by the agency.

He said, “We looked at businesses, partnerships of any activity that has banking turnover between N100m and N999m. We have done a review of this group of businesses.

“We have about seven more banks that we are still waiting for the return from and to review their information.

“So far, we have 45,361 that have TIN and are making payments. We have 40,611 that have TIN, that made tax payment and, and we have 44,504 that have no TIN and no pay.

“So, when you look at it from a glance, we have close to 75,000 in this group that are still not taxpayers and we have said the payment of tax is not only for the civil servants. it’s for all Nigerians.

“So, the millionaires and the billionaires will pay tax on behalf of what is due to the national coffers.

“2018 was a successful year. The FIRS collected a total of N5.32tn of tax revenue. This is the highest revenue collection in the history of FIRS.”

Read also: CBN puts Federal Govt’s deficit in 3 months at N910.4bn

He commended the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for its support and collaboration over the years.

While speaking, the IG emphasised the role of the FIRS in the survival of the country.

He assured of continued support, saying the adoption of cummunity policing by the new management of the NPF would ensure businesses pay their tax.

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