In a bid to continuously inform, train and educate taxpayers in the State, the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), holds 2022 Pay-As-You-Earn workshop today, 19th January, 2022 at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ilorin.
The annual event is one of the major platforms where the State bring together directed employers of labour to provide them with critical guidance on issues that bother on efficient operations of Pay-As-You-Earn Scheme in the State.
In her key note address at the workshop tagged “Enhanced Tax Compliance through efficient PAYE Operation and Stakeholders’ Engagement”, the Executive Chairman, KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi appreciated all directed employers of labour present and those that joined virtually, for the cordial and symbiotic relationship enjoyed over the years.
She noted that collaboration as partners have assisted the Service in achieving its set goals, with confidence that even more of such cooperation would be enjoyed in the drive of revenue for the strategic development of Kwara State.
The KW-IRS boss charged the gathering to ensure full compliance with the extant law on PAYE operation, by guiding against non-deduction, under-deduction, non-remittance and under-remittance of taxes due on total emoluments of employees in both private and public organizations.
“This year’s workshop calls for rapt attention of participants in noting the key takeaways from all the different papers to be presented as the events will not only afford participants to be exposed to rudiments of PAYE operation, but allows for ideas to be shared on grey areas in taxation, and serve as an opportunity to interact and cross fertilize ideas towards an improved service delivery and IGR for the State” stated Omoniyi.
The workshop had five paper presentations from staff of KW-IRS, on topics around tax compliance. Mohammed Audu in his presentation highlighted the component of tax compliance and its benefits to the citizenry, stating that when submission of required information to tax authorities as and when due and in required formats, declaration of income, filing of annual returns, and paying of tax due in a timely manner are observed as required, the State develops and everyone is better for it.
On efficient PAYE operation, Abdullahi Gegele stated that PAYE is statutory and mandatory and non-remittance is punishable under the relevant laws. It further expanciated responsibility of Employers of Labour in line with section (80) of Personal Income Tax Act 2011 as amended, and the Residence Rule.
Taking his turn in the presentations, Mohammed Kabiru-Rufai, spoke on Annual Returns and Back duty, noting that tax audit is a tool to confirm the level of compliance of every Directed Employer of labour to the directive of the tax law with regards to PAYE and other deductibles, such as water rate, development levy, withholding tax on contracts, bank interest, etc. He emphasized the need for submission of Nominal Roll and Annual Tax Return by directed employers of labour for accurate reconciliation of remittances of every organization.
The paper presentation at the event also dwelt extensively and created awareness on the seamlessness of tax payment through the use of the Self-Service Portal provided by KW-IRS as one of the State’s automation goal, aimed at refining the current tax processes towards improving tax compliance, conform with standard tax practices, strengthen the tax administration system and respond effectively to the dynamics of the revenue challenges in the State.
Taofiq Alabi in his presentation on automation system of the State, pointed out that some of the innovations under the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq led administration include, the development of a tax solution system, implementation of business process re-engineering, multiple payment platforms, improved database of taxpayers among others.
The workshop did not fail to treat frequently asked questions on PAYE operation, handled by Sunday Agbana and field questions from participants.
On behalf of KW-IRS, the Director, Income Tax, KW-IRS, Mohammed Usman appreciated all participants for their time and support in ensuring the needful are carried out as it relate to correct deductions and remittances of taxes and in collaborating in the growth of IGR for the State.
The workshop had in attendance management and staff of KW-IRS and over 600 representatives from various organizations and agencies across the State.
Signed
Corporate Affairs Department, KW-IRS
19th January, 2022