Tax is money that one has to pay to the government so that it can pay for public services. People pay tax according to their incomes and businesses pay tax according to their profits. Frederick the Great says, “No government can exist without taxation. This money must necessarily be levied on the people; and the grand art consists of levying so as not to oppress.” Adam Smith who is regarded as the father of economics also once highlighted the importance of taxation. He said “… little else is requisite to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism but peace, easy taxes and a tolerable administration of justice; all the rest being brought about the natural course of things.”
Tax is what drives development in any modern society. Collecting taxes and fees is a fundamental way for states and nations to generate public revenues that make it possible to finance investments in human capital, infrastructure, and the provision of services for citizens and businesses.
Why do we need to pay our taxes as ndi Anambra?
The government of the day in Anambra State led by PROFESSOR CHUKWUMA SOLUDO has promised a livable and prosperous state. For this to be achieved there must be good infrastructural development, quality and affordable healthcare, quality education, job creation, power, improved welfare of the people among other key deliverables. How can all these be possible without taxation?
Governor Soludo has also promised that every kobo of ndi Anambra’s tax money must be deployed effectively to impact on the people. In his words, “let your tax work for you”. Governor Soludo has commenced road construction across the state, targeting about 220 kilometers of roads as contained in the 2022 revised budget.
In Anambra today, Governor Soludo is hellbent on giving Anambra State the desired peace through his zero tolerance for criminality and insecurity. The Soludo led administration is built on justice, inclusion, fairness and equity. Now the government only needs the cooperation of the people through payment of easy taxes to deliver the dividends of democracy.
Taxes have a key role to play in making these developments sustainable
As Governor Soludo has promised to account for every of ndi Anambra’s tax money through prudent management, Ndi Anambra as a people should play their part by paying taxes as at when due. Governor Soludo understands what tax means and knows how to deploy them.
Of a truth, ndi Anambra will surely be proud of their tax money under Governor Soludo.
However, there is a need to ensure that the tax system is fair and equitable. Governments need to balance goals such as increased revenue mobilization, sustainable growth, and reduced compliance costs by ensuring that the tax system is fair and equitable. Fair considerations include the relative taxation of the poor and the rich, corporate and individual taxpayers, cities and rural areas, formal and informal sectors, labour and investment income; and the older and the younger generations.
We must know that building a livable prosperous and smart mega city is our collective responsibility. Governor Soludo is just the vessel through which the dream society we clamour for could be achieved. Let’s give him maximum support by paying our taxes.
Written by VALENTINE MBADUGHA
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