The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service has announced the commencement of the second phase of its statewide enforcement exercise to recover outstanding tax liabilities, including Pay-As-You-Earn, Withholding Tax, Back Duty obligations and other taxes.
According to a statement from the service on Thursday, this was disclosed by the Executive Chairman, OGIRS, Mr Olugbenga Olaleye, during the enforcement exercise.
The PUNCH reports that the exercise was part of the agency’s strategic efforts to improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and ensure full compliance with tax laws by individuals, businesses and corporate organisations.
Olaleye noted that “the second phase of the enforcement exercise became necessary following the continued failure of many defaulting taxpayers to regularise their tax obligations, despite multiple notifications,” adding that sustained enforcement remained crucial to improving revenue collection and leakage blocking, thereby contributing significantly to the government’s developmental programmes.
He further disclosed that the enforcement actions carried out at Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, and other corporate establishments were prompted by persistent non-compliance, stating that a number of the affected organisations, as of late, have now demonstrated willingness to comply, following engagements and agreements reached with OGIRS.
“Pay your tax. Fulfil your civic obligations. If you do not pay, how do you expect the government to deliver development projects?” he stated.
Representing the Executive Chairman, Special Adviser to the Governor on Revenue Matters, Jide Sanwo, urged taxpayers to discharge their civic responsibilities voluntarily rather than wait for enforcement actions.
Also speaking during the exercise, the Coordinating Director, Mr Taiwo Ogundimu, stated that the enforcement operation focused on recovering back duty liabilities from defaulting taxpayers, sensitising non-compliant individuals and organisations, and promoting voluntary compliance with Ogun State tax laws.
