The Executive Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) Igbinidu Inneh, has reiterated Edo State Government’s suspension on all forms of revenue collection from commercial transport operators for the month of April to cushion the effect of the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic on residents, noting that the suspension does not include haulage fees collection.
Mr. Inneh made this known while speaking with news men in his office today following the misinterpretation of the State Government’s suspension of revenue collection in the transportation sector by some persons.
According to Inneh “those involved in heavy goods vehicles popularly referred to as haulage, are not in this category. We recognize the fact that they continue to engage in economic activities and we will adhere to the provisions of the tax regulations that empowers the tax authority to collect haulage fees at certain designated control posts.”
While noting that the directive of government on the suspension was very clear and should not be subjected to selfish interpretation, inneh assured that the EIRS enforcement and compliance team would be on surveillance to ensure compliance in the haulage fees collection space.
The EIRS boss informed “that the revenue agency in line with its mandate, has introduced certain pocket friendly measures and multiple convenient payment platforms to enable taxpayers settle payments by purchasing the revenue scratch card.”
“We have also taken some measures to ensure that people are not penalized for their inability to reach us in this period. So we have extended the period for annual filing of tax returns on personal income tax from 31st March to 30th April.” He added.