Expert recommends sanction for tax defaulters

 
 
NAN-HE-1
Tax
Warri (Delta), July 3, 2017 (NAN) An expert in tax matters, Mr Hilary Chukwudi, has called on government authorities to henceforth sanction any tax defaulters in the country in the interest of the economy.
Chukwudi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Warri that the measure would help to entrench tax compliance among tax payers.
According to him, a lot of tax payers including entrepreneurs are culpable of tax evasion and this unwholesome practice negates a healthy economy.
He said that tax payment was a civic responsibility of every eligible Nigerians, adding that defaulters should be made to face the consequences of their actions.
“A lot of entrepreneurs in the country indulge in the habit of evading taxes and that has been a major challenge in the taxation industry.
“Some hide under the influence of the ‘powers that be’ to evade tax.
“It is my view that adequate prosecution of offenders no matter whose horse is gored by way of revoking their operational licences, will put them on their toes.
“That is the only way we can entrench confidence in the nation’s tax system,’’ he said.
The tax professional advised the Federal Government to strengthen its tax mechanism in order to shore up the nation’s revenue profile.
He said that many countries relied solely on revenue generated from taxes to drive their economy, stressing: “I want to commend the Federal Government for its commitment to the ease of doing business in the country.
“However, government should also strengthen its tax apparatus to ensure that taxes are adequately recovered from tax payers and also block tax leakages in the system,’’ he said.
Chukwudi also lauded the Joint Tax Board for its efforts in  harmonising the multiple taxes, assuring that full implementation of the National Tax Policy would enhance a better and efficient tax performance. (NAN)
EDI/FF/YEMI
Edited by Fela Fashoro/Yemi Idris-Aduloju