The Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) has warned taxpayers against paying money to individuals issuing fake tax demand notices and illegally collecting revenue in the name of the state government.
The Chairman of the service, Solomon Ighrakpata, raised the alarm in a statement on Tuesday, warning that the activities of fraudsters could lead to revenue leakages and financial losses for 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.
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He urged taxpayers, businesses and other members of the public to verify the authenticity of any tax demand notice, assessment or payment request before making payments.
The chairman advised taxpayers to use only officially approved government payment channels and promptly report suspicious tax demands or individuals claiming to be officials of the revenue service.
Ighrakpata said the DSIRS was working with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the issuance of fake tax notices, impersonation and fraudulent revenue collection.
He warned that such activities could undermine public confidence in the state’s tax administration system while diverting funds meant for government projects and public services.
The chairman assured taxpayers that the revenue service would continue to safeguard the integrity of the state’s revenue collection system and promote transparent and accountable tax administration.