Federal Inland Revenue Service introduces digital self-service tax stations at its offices

NIGERIA'S Federal Inland Revenue Service (Firs) has introduced self-service stations where taxpayers can file tax returns and validate tax clearance certificates among other services using digital technology.

Designed to not only help clear the backlog of tax returns but to also help the government with its drive to increase revenue, the move aims to automate the taxation process. Firs spokesman Johannes Wojuola, said that with the new development, people will be able to pay taxes, apply for and validate tax clearance certificates by themselves on online platforms located at the agency's tax offices across the country.

He added that the initiative is aimed at supporting taxpayers in the optimised use of the TaxPro Max solution. Furthermore, Mr Wojuola said that to make it more convenient for the taxpayers, the self-service stations have designated officers readily available to assist taxpayers with any technical difficulty or concerns that may arise.

Mr Wojuola added: “As part of the service’s effort to enhance voluntary tax compliance, the self-service stations will, among other things, provide taxpayers the opportunity to carry out the following services online while in the tax office. Filing tax returns, paying taxes, applying for and validate TCCs, generating receipts and credit notes.”

In addition, Furs said it enjoins taxpayers to take advantage of the self-service stations in fulfilling their tax obligations. Nigeria has one of the lowest tax-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratios in the world at just 6% and Furs is hoping to reverse this anomaly