FCT-IRS mandates presentation of tax clearance to obtain car registration, building approvals
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has revealed that FCT residents will be mandated to present a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) in order to obtain car registration and building approvals.
The Acting Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr Haruna Abdullahi, stated this at a Town Hall Meeting organised by the service in Abuja.
The meeting was titled, “Demand and Verification of TCC by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Secretariat, Department and Agencies (SDAs), commercial banks and corporate bodies”.
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The acting chairman said there are serious changes in the way public transactions will be conducted in the FCT.
He said FCT residents will obtain car registration and building approvals when they present their tax clearance, others are appointment or election into office, and stamping of guarantors form for a Nigerian passport among others.
“This gathering is timely and relevant as we aim to provide guidance and insight on the need to demand and verify a TCC.
“This is as stated in the information circular issued by the service on Nov. 4 and Nov. 7 in newspapers within the FCT and national dailies across the country,” he said.
“It is imperative that a TCC is demanded as a pre-condition for various transactions in the FCT. It is also instructive to note that the law requires such from MDAs and commercial banks.
“Individuals and business owners residing in FCT can easily access a Tax Clearance through our effective and efficient channels,” he said.
He said the failure of relevant agencies to demand and verify TCC presented by an individual could amount to sanctions that include conviction with a fine of five million Naira or three years imprisonment or both as stipulated by relevant tax laws.
The FCT-IRS boss said as the relevant tax authority for Personal Income Tax (PIT) administrations, the service had a vital role in ensuring strict adherence and urged FCT residents to choose voluntary compliance over compulsion, adding that compulsion would only be its last resort.
According to Abdullahi, while the service is working toward providing taxpayer-centred services, it will not hesitate to take punitive measures against defaulters.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the town hall meeting had in attendance representatives of MDAs, SDAS, council chairmen, and other relevant stakeholders.
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