Fake revenue agents have invaded Delta State, issuing fraudulent tax documents to businesses and corporate organizations. The Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) has warned taxpayers to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any tax demand notice or payment request. The Service stated that it has not authorized any individual or unauthorized agent to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes on its behalf.
The Executive Chairman of DSIRS, Solomon Ighrakpata, described the development as a criminal offence that could undermine public confidence in the state's tax administration system. He advised taxpayers to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of any tax demand notice, assessment, payment request, or correspondence purportedly issued by the DSIRS before making any payment.
Ighrakpata urged members of the public to make payments only through officially approved government channels and to promptly report any suspicious notice, payment request, or individual claiming to be an authorized tax official to the Service for verification. He disclosed that the DSIRS is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify, apprehend, and prosecute persons involved in the issuance of fake demand notices and other fraudulent tax collection activities.
The DSIRS Chairman warned that the perpetrators could cause revenue leakages to the government, financial losses to taxpayers, and disruption of the state's revenue administration. He reassured taxpayers that legitimate taxes paid to the government are critical to the provision of public infrastructure and essential services, adding that efforts are being made to protect the integrity of the state's revenue collection system.
Ighrakpata called on all taxpayers, businesses, and members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Service in the fight against tax fraud and revenue diversion. He advised that any tax demand notice or related correspondence should be verified through the DSIRS's official communication channels before payment.
The DSIRS Chairman reaffirmed the Service's commitment to a transparent, accountable, efficient, and credible tax administration system. He emphasized that the Service will pursue cases of tax fraud and revenue diversion to the fullest extent permitted by law.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of the state's revenue collection system. The DSIRS has assured taxpayers that it is working to prevent such incidents and protect the integrity of the system. Taxpayers are advised to be cautious and report any suspicious activities to the Service.
Key points
- The DSIRS has not authorized any individual or unauthorized agent to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes on its behalf.
- Taxpayers are advised to verify the authenticity of any tax demand notice or payment request before making any payment.
- The DSIRS is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute persons involved in the issuance of fake demand notices and other fraudulent tax collection activities.
