The Delta State Internal Revenue Service has warned taxpayers against paying money to individuals issuing fake tax demand notices and collecting revenue illegally in the name of the state government.
The chairman of the service, Solomon Ighrakpata, raised the alarm in a statement on Tuesday, saying the activities of the fraudsters could cause revenue leakages and financial losses to taxpayers.
Ighrakpata said the DSIRS had not authorised any individual or agent to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes outside its approved channels.
“The DSIRS wishes to categorically state that it has not authorised any individual or unauthorised agent to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes on its behalf outside established and approved channels,” he said.
He urged taxpayers and businesses to verify the authenticity of any demand notice, tax assessment or payment request before making payments.
The chairman advised members of the public to use only officially approved government payment channels and report suspicious tax demands or persons claiming to be DSIRS officials.
Ighrakpata said the service was working with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in fake tax notices, impersonation and fraudulent revenue collection.
He warned that such activities could undermine confidence in the state’s tax system and divert funds meant for government projects and public services.
He assured taxpayers that the DSIRS would continue to protect the integrity of the state’s revenue collection system and promote transparent and accountable tax administration.
