The first day of April, wouldn’t be a time for the Lagos state government to makejokes, or participate in spreading hoaxes for which the day is usually known for.
On the contrary, it has been pronounced by her, as the beginning of the end for Lagosians who would deliberately snub the paying of taxes within the state.
This commitment by the Lagos state government was disclosed recently by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) on Wednesday in Lagos in a statement signed by the Executive Chairman of LIRS,Olufolarin Ogunsanwo.
The statement emphasized the fact that the government in the state would now turn the evil eye on Lagosians who meet the exigency to pay tax and willfully choose to ignore their fundamental obligation to the state.
In the words of Ogunsanwo, “While many taxpayers have complied willingly by filing their returns in the last months, it is disheartening to note a large fraction of eligible taxpayers are still not complying.
‘The focus of the present administration in renewing infrastructure and general development of the state cannot be achieved by the attitude of those who deliberately refuse to discharge their civic responsibility.”
Every taxable person in the state are adviced to take advantage of the window on or befor March 31 deadline to ensure their tax returns are duly filed.
Following the disclosure of this statement, news reaching us is that the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice would, through the Rapid
Tax Prosecution Unit, begin the prosecution of tax defaulters without further notice. In addition, the statement asserts that all tax evaders and offenders, upon prosecution, may be fined or imprisoned or made to face both as provided in the Personal Income Tax Act.
(NAN)
