• as BIRS digitalises services

As part of his efforts to ease the hardship faced by the outbreak of coronavirus, Gov Samuel Ortom of Benue state has granted a waiver of 50% on all land related fees and charges.

This is as Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has said it has fully digitalised all tax services as a measure to curtail difficulties taxpayers may have in accessing the agency’s services.

By the newly introduced arrangements, the tax agency said taxpayers can now access services through electronic means, assuring also of best service delivery through same process.

A statement signed by the Executive Chairman of the agency, Mr. Andrew Ayabam reads in part; “with the pandemic, BIRS is aware that it will be difficult for taxpayers to engage in physical/manual tax processes as such the service has fully digitalized its tax processes”

The statement further listed the aspects that are fully digitalised to include, Electronic Taxpayer Registration; Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC); Electronic Filing of Returns and Electronic Payment of taxes.

The agency said it has also extended the filing of Annual Returns for Individuals in business to be from 31st March, 2020 to 31st May, 2020, adding also that it has provided dedicated e-mails address to be used by taxpayers and tax practitioners during this period as channel of communication.

“We have also engaged in an online sensitization campaign for taxpayers on the importance of the use of e- platforms for transactions.

“During this period, the Service has considered the lockdown period and granted exception to taxpayers that are unable to file their objection to tax assessment within the statutory period.

“Staff are advised to continue to see themselves as being on duty wherever they are, by keeping their communication lines open and being in readiness to give directive as often as may become necessary.