By Iyiola Olalereà
Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr Michael Ango has assured that harmonisation of revenue and administration in the FCT would solve the problem of multiple taxation in the territory.
Ango stated this when he made appearance on channels television flagship programme, Dateline Abuja recently, FCT-IRS Spokesman, Mustapha Sumaila disclosed in a statement on Thursday.
Ango explained that the Service under his leadership had commenced serious engagement with the relevant agencies of the government and the six area councils for the smooth implementation of the harmonisation of revenue collection and administration in the territory.
He lauded the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike for his support and encouragement to the course which will hitherto make tax experience seamless and easier for the taxpayer and also boost revenue collection.
“So I commend the minister for giving us a directive to ensure that in the FCT, going forward the issue of multiple taxes must end within the shortest time possible. How we intend to do that is very simple, if you recall the Federal Government set up a Tax Reform Committee and one of the major objectives is to harmonise taxes at the federal level of government.
“So about two months ago we said to the committee of which I was a member prior to my appointment, that we want to adopt FCT as a pilot for harmonisation, and Mr Taiwo who is a good friend and my mentor said we will come and assist you.
“So as I speak to you today we have already commenced process of the harmonisation of taxes and levies in the FCT. I must commend the Area Council Chairmen for their commitments, we met several times with all of them. And what we have agreed is that we are going to harmonise collection, administration, enforcement and all walnut of taxes and levies.
“So Going forward if you have any tax to pay to AGIS, Development Control, Water Board, Abuja Environmental Protection Agency and Area Councils among others such payment can be made through FCT-IRS and it will collect on their behalf and then of course remit it to them. So, is not a case of somebody taking over your function, for instance, if you have 30 houses you don’t need three agents to collect your house rent, you just need one agent” he explained.
The FCT-IRS boss noted that the service encouraged voluntary compliance from the taxpayer in the territory pointing out that payment of taxes is an obligation they must fulfil without being compelled.
According to him, the infrastructural projects and public services being executed in the city and road flag off in every nook and cranny of the FCT were enough campaigns for the residents and taxpayers to be more responsible in paying their taxes in order to have more funds for the FCT Minister to do more.
