The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS), Hon. Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, has observed with serious concern the increasing proliferation of fake tax demand notices and other fraudulent tax documents being issued to unsuspecting members of the public by unscrupulous individuals purporting to act on behalf of the Service.
Hon. Ighrakpata noted that these fraudulent activities are not only intended to defraud taxpayers and divert monies meant for government revenue, but also constitute a serious criminal offence capable of undermining public confidence in the State's tax administration system.
The Revenue Boss wishes to categorically state that he has not authorized any individual or unauthorized agent to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes on behalf of the Service outside established and approved channels.
He therefore advised taxpayers to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of any tax demand notice, assessment, payment request or other correspondence purportedly issued by the DSIRS.
Consequently, members of the public are strongly encouraged to make tax payments only through officially approved government channels and to report any suspicious demand notice, payment request or individual claiming to be an authorized tax official to the Service for immediate verification.
"It is pertinent to state that the DSIRS is collaborating with appropriate law enforcement authorities to identify, apprehend and prosecute persons involved in the issuance of fake demand notices, impersonation of tax officials, fraudulent collection of taxes and other related activities." Ighrakpata added
The Revenue Chairman further assured the taxpaying public that legitimate taxes paid to the Delta State Government are critical to the provision of public infrastructure and essential services, and that every effort is being made to protect the integrity of the State’s revenue collection system.
He called on all taxpayers, businesses and members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Service in the fight against tax fraud and revenue diversion.
The Delta State Internal Revenue Service remains committed to a transparent, accountable, efficient and credible tax administration system that protects taxpayers and safeguards government revenue.
For verification of any tax demand notice or related correspondence, taxpayers are advised to contact the DSIRS through its official communication channels before making any payment.
(Email: chairmandbir@yahoo.com, Website: www.deltabir.com, Tel: 09053964118)
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