Acting chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has allayed fears being expressed by corporate organisations that the resolve of FIRS to increase the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio to 18 per cent from 10.86 will lead to increase in taxes.
According to a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Ag Executive Chairman, FIRS, Dare Adekanmbi, Adedeji such resolve would not necessarily lead to increase in taxes or introduction of new taxes as the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is determined to create a wholesome environment for businesses to flourish.
The FIRS chairman had said the agency under his leadership would in the next three years achieve an eight per cent raise in tax-to-GDP ratio to surpass Africa’s average of 16.5% without stifling investment or economic growth.
The plan had triggered muffled apprehensions among entities corporate that the decision could cause an increase in tax rates or introduction of new ones.
Addressing representatives of top large tax-paying companies during a get-together at Four Points by Sheraton in Lagos on Wednesday, Adedeji said, “Our belief, understanding and vision as a revenue-generating agency is not to introduce any new tax as we only want to use data to improve compliance.”
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Dare Adekanmbi, quoted the FIRS chairman as saying that the invited companies and those willing to voluntarily carry out their tax obligations have nothing to be afraid of.
