LIRS GIVES A 16-DAY ULTIMATUM FOR PAYMENT OF TAXES

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) enjoins all taxpayers in  Lagos State to be on the right side of the law and take full advantage  of the 16-day grace period from December 1st to 16th, 2016 to remit all  overdue taxes/levies and those that would fall due in the month of  December in order to avoid prosecution .The LIRS has in the last few months embarked on massive advocacy and enlightenment programmes, taking Lagos residents and taxpayers through a  process of education on the laws bordering on tax administration and the  need and benefits of paying taxes as and when due. In spite of the significant decline in the allocation from the  federation accounts, the Lagos State government is still embarking on  massive infrastructural development and renewal; these cannot be  achieved if tax payers deliberately refuse to discharge their civic  responsibility to the State. Taxpayers are hereby advised to clear all outstanding payments ON OR  BEFORE THE 16TH OF DECEMBER 2016, failing which the Lagos State  Government will commence criminal prosecution of offenders, with full  enforcement through distrain activities in line with relevant provisions  of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 (As amended). The under listed taxes and levies are expected to be remitted to the  Lagos State Government within the grace period:  * Tax Audit Liability of back years  * Personal Income Tax (PAYE, Direct Assessment, Self-Assessment)  * Withholding Tax  * Hotel Occupancy and Restaurants Consumption Tax  * Land Use Charge and Ground Rent According to the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subair "LIRS  has put all the necessary machineries in place to ensure the enforcement  of the tax laws with effect from December 17, 2016 when the grace period  lapses. He has advised all taxpayers to comply, reiterating that the  full weight of the law will be brought to bear on any taxable persons or  corporations who fail to remit all taxes/levies due. The LIRS appreciates and thanks the good people of Lagos State who have  continually supported the government by voluntarily paying their taxes  promptly and correctly and promises to continue to act within the ambit  of the law to prosecute tax evaders.