November 29, (THEWILL) – The Acting Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service ((BIRS), Mr Emmanuel Agema, has said that his vision is to regain, build and maintain taxpayers’ confidence in the Service for optimal cooperation.
Agema, who made the disclosure while fielding questions from the media at the Revenue House, Makurdi on Wednesday, noted that taxpayers’ confidence is paramount in tax collection, compliance and revenue generation.
“Tax administration, under my leadership, is saddled with the mandate of ensuring that taxpayers have confidence in the tax administration process, tax collections, strategies and policies,” he said.
According to Agema, the automation of tax process through improved innovative technology and software for accurate and concise collection and display of data, records and transactions have been made more available and transparent to enhance taxpayers’ confidence.
The BIRS Acting Chairman noted that blocking all tax leakages, which is one of the critical necessities to improved revenue collection, has been ongoing, explaining that on his assumption of office, he sent staff for training to equip them with the right knowledge and skills for the job, and reorganised the Service by removing and replacing staff in different positions and offices with well-skilled, energetic, transparent and committed professionals in order to increase collection, ensure transparency and maintain confidence in tax administration.
He stressed the continuous support of BIRS through generating internal revenue for the provision of critical developmental projects, prompt payment of salaries, and construction of roads and other social amenities necessary for building, regaining and maintaining taxpayers’ confidence.
“People tend to pay tax when they see results when they feel the impacts of the taxes they pay and the board is ready to ensure lost confidence is regained and strong will is maintained,” he said.
He extended appreciation to all taxpayers for believing in the new tax regime in the state through the prompt payment of their taxes, urging them to remain patriotic by fulfilling their constitutional obligations.
The Acting BIRS chairman noted that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has already shown the way through transparent application of funds within his reach in carrying out projects in Makurdi, the State capital, as seen and applauded by all, including opposition elements in the State.
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