Traders of Aba, the commercial capital of Abia state have commended Gov. Theodore Orji on the proposed tax regime in the state from next year. This came at the heels of the governor’s announcement at the state broadcast to mark 52rd Nigeria Independent anniversary that a new tax regime would commence in the state by January 2013.
247ureports.com gathered that from that period, tax demand notices will be issued to all landlords, factory owners, and other taxable property holders – with very clear details of all payable taxes.
“In this new Platform, all those involved in the present revenue collection of the state, have been given notices to wind-up and vacate their activities with effect from the end of December.
“They are to leave the new accredited Government Revenue Consultants, to begin to do their job.
This era will herald an end to double taxation and all other unsavory burdens that have been weighing down on our tax- paying citizens, and making the tax system unhealthy and unfair,’’ the governor said.
An Aba based businessman, Mr. Iheanacho Jeremiah in a chat with our correspondent yesterday, lauded the governor for the new tax regime, describing it as fair, equitable and with a human face.
He urged the government to adequately monitor the new accredited Government Revenue Consultants to ensure the objectives of introducing the new tax regime is not defeated for the benefit of both the government and the people.
According to him, the state government and the residents would stand to gain more if avenue for leakages were properly blocked to boost revenue to the government.
However, despite the commendations trailing the governor’s broadcast, many other businessmen say they prefer to reserve their comments on the development.
A hotel operator, who simply gave his name as Paul appealed to the state government to ensure proper harmonization of the existing levies which the members had severally decried, adding that such would boost business in the state.
“Government has been losing much revenue to private pockets. I think such moves are commendable. A list of the harmonized taxes and selected banks where they can be paid would be a step in the right direction,” he added.
247ureports.com further gathered that the governor had assured that in the new Platform, that all those involved in the present revenue collection of the state, have been given notices to wind-up their activities by December 2012.
