The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service has said that the existing tax laws in the state do not allow payment of Personal Income Tax through associations, unions or umbrella groups representing business owners in the state.

The Executive Chairman of KW-IRS, Mrs Shade Omoniyi, stated this in a statement she signed and made available to our correspondent on Monday.

“Our taxpayers are once again reminded that in accordance with Section 54 (1) of the Personal Income Tax 2011 as amended, which mandates every taxable person in the state to be assessed individually upon the expiration of the time allowed to file a return as mandated by Section 41 of the Act, we are not allowing the payment of Personal Income Tax or its equivalent through any existing or prospective associations, unions, or umbrella group(s) representing artisans or business owners,” she said.

The KW-IRS boss noted that the revenue service had observed that compliance with payment of Personal Income Tax was low.

“We observe the improved level of tax compliance in the state and the growth in the number of taxpayers over the years, especially among low-income earners. We truly appreciate our stakeholders for their continuous support and commitment to the revenue drive in the State.

“Nevertheless, the service has observed that compliance level is low for some of the high net worth individuals within the state. Taxpayers, particularly HNIs,  are reminded of their right to submit objections to the assessment presented to them as stated in Section 58 of the Personal Income Tax Act 2011 (as amended by the Finance Acts 2019 and 2020), which is then subject to reviews,” she said.

Omoniyi also urged taxpayers to pay all tax liabilities and file needed tax returns.