The Anambra State government through the State Internal Revenue Service has commenced enforcement on various private Owned businesses for tax evasion in the State to the tune of over six hundred million naira.
The exercise which took place at various locations of the State including Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and environs went with an enforcement team of the establishment’s staff, the police and civil defence corps.
The Internal Revenue Service was armed with court order from the State High Court, empowering it to seal off the various locations till they comply.
Some of the sealed locations include Suburd Consortium who produce Prepaid Meters in Awka, owing over five hundred million naira from January 2011 to December 2016.
Eteleson Industries in Ogbunike owe State government over twenty one million naira, having evaded tax between 2010 and 2015, while Nelly New Town Hotels and Suitws Oba owes over 8 million naira.
Nelly New Town Hotels and Suites, Oba owes over 8 million naira between 2014 to 2016, while at Ejiamatu Microfinance Bank Ojoto which owes over 16 million naira, some of their items were carried away by the Service.
Good news Academy, Ogidi and Divine Favor Pharmaceutical Company Nkpor owe outstanding of over 700 thousand naira and over 5 million naira respectively for a period of 2011 to 2016, and 2010 to 2015 respectively.
The enforcement team also visited and sealed off Delendu Aluminium Manufacturing company Onitsha for evading tax to the tune of over eight million naira between 2016 and 2017.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, the Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Dr David Nzekwu explained that the exercise is in line with State government’s renewed drive to generate it’s revenue, as mandated by Governor Willie Obiano, saying that the Revenue Service always follow due legal process to help the State citizenry pay their tax.
Dr Nzekwu, while stressing that it is expected of new Companies to register within six months of operation and render their tax returns in respect of companies and individuals, pointed out that the tax laws are clearly spelt out, expressing optimism that more people will learn to pay their tax on their own.
He however warned that any attempt to break the seal, will be dealt with in accordance to the provisions of the relevant sections of the law, as government will not hesitate to seal off defaulting establishments, be it hotels, schools, among others.
Recall that Governor Willie Obiano during an IGR retreat two months ago, gave the Revenue Service desirable monthly target of five billion.
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