COVID-19: LASG Begins Implementation Of Tax Relief

Zainab Sanni

The Lagos State Government has commenced the implementation of
tax reliefs aimed to cushion the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and businesses.

The Executive Chairman, Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr. Ayodele Subair made this known in a statement.

He said; “the following measures are to be implemented to further ease the impact of the pandemic on our esteemed taxpayers in Lagos State starting from Thursday, July 16, 2020.

 “LIRS shall allow on a case by case basis, payment of outstanding liabilities in installments to ease cash flow challenges that may affect taxpayers. Taxpayers are to enjoy a waiver of penalty for late payment of liabilities under PAYE (Pay As You Earn) that was due during the period of March-May, 2020 when the state was under COVID-19 lockdown.”

 He continued: “Also, a waiver of penalties due on late filing of 2020 annual tax returns known as ‘Form A’ will be granted. A remarkable waiver of interest and penalty on liabilities arising from 2009 to 2015 tax audit for taxpayers who can pay up on or before December 31, 2020, will be implemented.

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 “In appreciation of taxpayers that have supported the State Government in the fight against the pandemic, the LIRS through the Lagos State Government will be granting tax credit of 20% of all cash and kind donations made towards Covid-19 by individuals resident in the Stapte for the 2021 Year of Assessment (subject to a cap of 35 percent of the tax due).”

 Subair added that additional payment channels have been opened up to make payment of taxes easier, simpler, and more convenient for all.

 He stated that video conferencing has been adopted as the default mode for conducting Tax Audit Reconciliation Committee [TARC] meetings in consonance with social distancing advisories from Government and other relevant health authorities.

 Subair, therefore, encouraged taxpayers to make use of the agency’s digital communication platforms to get updates on its operations and details of all tax payment platforms.

 He enjoined all businesses and individuals resident in Lagos State to take advantage of the opportunity and reciprocate the kind gestures of the State Government by discharging their civic responsibilities through prompt payment of all taxes and levies due to the state.

 “For further inquiries, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the LIRS website, www.lirs.gov.ng, and its various social media platforms @lirsgovng or by calling the Customer Care Centre on 0700 CALL LIRS (0700-2255-5477),” Subair stated.