KWIRS Top Officials Emphasize Benefits Of ‘Voluntary’ Tax Compliance At Workshop In Ilorin

Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) organized a tax education and awareness workshop that was attended by stakeholders in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, last week Wednesday.

It was held as part of measures taken to address high tax non-compliance rates in the state. 

A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com noted that the workshop had stakeholders including business owners, professional bodies, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), civil society organizations and individual taxpayers, among others in attendance. 

Speaking at the workshop that had as its theme ‘Enhancing Tax Compliance Through Stakeholder Sensitization and Engagement’, the Executive Chairman of the agency, Shade Omoniyi, noted that tax non-compliance has remained a significant hurdle to meeting revenue target. 

The KWIRS boss, who added that taxation is the lifeblood of any economy, noted that, ‘It is through the faithful payment of taxes that government can provide critical infrastructure, quality education, healthcare and other essential public services’. 

She added that the workshop was designed to address some of the pressing issues surrounding tax compliance and to provide practical insights for all stakeholders, adding that tackling  non-compliance requires deliberate strategies, collaboration and continued stakeholder dialogue.

Omoniyi noted that ensuring an enhanced tax compliance is a collective duty adding that the agency is committed to creating an enabling environment where taxpayers will feel supported and valued. 

She urged businesses/individuals to ensure that tax returns are filed within the time allowable by law while urging them to declare all sources of income for appropriate assessment and pay all tax dues on income within the time allowable by law. 

‘Let us embrace the culture of voluntary compliance; engage in constructive dialogue to address  the challenges; and utilize the resources and platforms provided by the Service. Together, let us build a future where tax compliance is not just a legal obligation but a shared responsibility for the greater good of our society’ she said.

The KWIRS boss added that the workshop, which was earlier put on hold, has been brought back as a result of identified continued gaps in knowledge and the new tax reforms. 

‘This gathering is a reflection of our shared commitment to fostering a tax system that is transparent, efficient, and inclusive—a system that ensures sustainable growth and development for our state’ she said.

Some of the key topics discussed at the event include; Harmonized Bill and Other Taxes Collectible by the Service,  Implications of Non-Compliance, Practical Guide on Filing Annual Returns (Corporate and Individual), Payment Options and Processes, Withholding Tax Regulation 2024, and New Tax Reforms Bill in Nigeria: Call to Action. 

In his presentation, titled, ‘Implications of non-compliance’, the HOD, Corporate Planning of the agency, Muhammed Audu, submitted that non-compliance causes risk to government, in form of pressure on government, loss of revenue, increase in debt etc. 

Audu has also warned that there is no longer a hiding place for tax defaulters in Kwara State.

‘No hiding place for tax defaulters again in Kwara. We have your record. We have power to ask commercial banks for your bank statements but we respect you so much and that’s why we are asking you to bring your bank statements. There’s punishment for tax defaulters or declaration of false statements. Please, always provide us true situation of your income to avoid punishment. 

We want to reduce level of non-compliance, thus the need to discuss with the tax payers. 

We don’t want to be tyrannical, and that’s why you have been invited for discussion. So, we urge you to ensure voluntary tax compliance, or else you incur more expenses.  Tax compliance is still low in Kwara State as some taxable adults and businesses still try to evade tax payment’ he said-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you