Citing inconsistencies within the nation’s tax rate and existence of many Nigerians, the Federal Government has reiterated its stance on prosecuting defaulters on the finish of the prolonged deadline for the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) on June 30.
As acknowledged by The Executive Secretary, Joint Tax Board, Oseni Elamah, the prolonged ultimatum was in a bid to extend tax compliance of Nigerians.
Elamah throughout a tax compliance clinic/sensitization for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on understanding the necessities and advantages of tax compliance, in Lagos, stated regardless of the nation having some of probably the most worthwhile and properly capitalized firms and people, the tax remittance rate remains to be low.
He famous that Nigeria’s low tax is inconsistent with the existence and spending habits of a massive quantity of residents.
As acknowledged by him, Nigeria’s tax to GDP ratio at 6 per cent is one of the bottom on the earth in comparison with India’s of 16 per cent, Ghana of 15.9 per cent and South Africa of 27 per cent, mentioning that almost all developed nation have tax to GDP ratios of between 32 per cent and 35 per cent.
He also stated that VAIDS would offer an alternative to extend normal tax consciousness and compliance among the many normal public, saying that to revenue from the scheme, taxpayers will probably be required to totally and actually declare beforehand undisclosed property and earnings.
“Many are engaged in transfer of assets overseas, use of offshore companies in tax havens and registration of assets in nominee names,” he stated.
He acknowledged that VAIDS is being applied to make sure an enhance in tax compliance as only one out of 5 economically energetic Nigerians at the moment pay tax.
He identified that the VAIDS is a venture by the federal authorities of Nigeria aimed toward offering alternative for corporate our bodies and people to regularize their tax standing referring to earlier tax intervals, stressing that underneath the scheme, tax payers are given the chance to learn from complete waiver of excellent and overdue pursuits and penalties.
“They also stand to benefit from the assurance that they will not face criminal prosecution for tax offences or be subjected to further tax investigations”, he additionally stated.
He stated the advantages of VAIDS to the Nigerian financial system embrace diminished price of doing enterprise, attraction of international investments, progress of non-oil sector and sufficient canvas for financial progress and improvement.
Earlier, the President and Chairman of council of the Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Segun Agboade, stated Lagos and Edo States are the 2 focal States for the venture, saying that every one arms have to be on deck to satisfy up the deadline of VAIDS.
He urged members and MSME beneficiaries to take benefit of the sensitization programme.