By Our Correspondent
The leadership of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Board (TIRSB) has cautioned taxpayers across the state against paying taxes into private accounts, stressing that all tax payments must be made through designated government revenue channels and authorized officers.
The warning was issued on Thursday during a sensitization and awareness campaign on the state’s new tax reform initiatives held in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital. The exercise was organized by the board in collaboration with I4cus.
The campaign, which covered major parts of the city, attracted traders’ associations, market women, bankers, and other stakeholders. It was aimed at educating taxpayers on the new tax reforms and encouraging voluntary tax compliance.
Speaking during the exercise, Chairman of the Board, Brigadier General (Rtd.) Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa, said the initiative was designed to engage taxpayers and strengthen public confidence in the state’s revenue collection system.
Faransa commended the cordial relationship between revenue officials and taxpayers in Taraba State, emphasizing that tax payment is both a civic responsibility and a legal obligation for all eligible citizens.
He explained that the awareness campaign became necessary to ensure residents understand that no individual is authorized to collect taxes illegally or divert government revenue into personal accounts.
The chairman warned that anyone found engaging in tax-related fraud or illegally collecting government revenue would face the full weight of the law.
He also urged residents to support and embrace the new tax reform laws, assuring them that the board, in partnership with the state government, would ensure that all revenue generated is judiciously utilized for the development of the state and the welfare of its citizens.
Some market women and members of traders’ associations who spoke during the campaign expressed satisfaction with the sensitization exercise and pledged to educate their members on the importance of complying with the new tax reforms.
They described the campaign as timely and beneficial, noting that it would help curb illegal tax collection and improve compliance among taxpayers across the state.