Governor Okowa Approves Waivers On Tax Liabilities

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has approved waiver of interest and penalties on established tax audit liabilities emanating from tax audit carried out by the Delta State Internal Revenue Service from 2011-2019.

The waiver is in addition to the palliative measure published in the Vanguard and The Pointer newspapers of 28th May, 2020, in line with government policy of ensuring peace, progress and prosperity of its citizens, especially in this period of COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement signed by the Director of Information, Mr Dona Obuseh, said the waiver covered business concerns such as publishing houses, agricultural product companies, water producing companies and microfinance banks.

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Others, the statement said, include private hospitals, maternities and health centres, private primary and secondary schools, eateries and hotels, and companies that supply human labour to industries.

According to the statement, as a further measure to ease the impact of the pandemic on tax payers, the governor has directed the Delta State Internal Revenue Service to allow case by case basis payment of outstanding tax liabilities in installments to ease the burden of lump-sum payment.

The statement said the governor also approved the waiver of penalties for late payment of liabilities under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) that was due during the COVID-19 lockdown in the state from 1st April, 2020 till 31st October, 2020.

To further ameliorate the negative impact of the pandemic, the statement added that Governor Okowa granted a waiver of penalties due on the late filling of the year 2020 annual tax returns known a ‘Form A’.

It said in like manner, a 21% interest and 10% penalty waiver of interest and penalties on liabilities arising from 2009 to 2015 tax audit for taxpayer who can pay up on or before 31st December, 2020 will be implemented.

The statement assured the general public Delta State Internal Revenue Service commitment to providing a conducive environment and support to taxpayers and to ensure that the burden of outstanding tax liabilities was eased off especially in this trying period.

It advised tax agents/consultants and staff of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service and other revenue generating MDAs to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of this policy.