Delta govt urges taxpayers on prompt annual tax returns

Delta Government has charged business owners, corporate organisations on the need to file their annual tax returns for the year 2022 for assessment as stipulated by the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 as amended, before the deadline.

A statement signed by the Executive Director, Delta State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Kelly Oghenekevwe, on Thursday in Asaba, said the reminder became necessary to forestall last minute delays which might result in penalties.

He said the deadline for the submission of tax returns for corporate bodies was Jan. 31, while that of self-employed individuals was March 31.

According to the statement, Section 81(2) of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 (as amended) required every employer to file a return with the relevant tax authority of all emoluments paid to its employees, not later than Jan. 31 of every year in respect of all employees in its employment in the preceding year.

Oghenekevwe also said that any contravention against the Act would attract appropriate sanctions of "N500,000 in the case of a corporate body, and N50,000 in the case of an individual.

He also said that Section 41 of the Personal Income Tax Act made it compulsory for self-employed individuals to file their tax returns on or before 31st March every year.

Oghenekevwe while wishing the people of the state and all taxpayers a joyful and peaceful celebration, appealed to them to continue to support the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration.