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KWIRS Hosts Tax Compliance Workshop to Address Non-Compliance in Kwara

Published January 15, 2025

By Taiwo Ogunniyi

The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) organized a tax education and awareness workshop on Wednesday to address the persistent challenge of tax non-compliance among stakeholders in the state.

Themed “Enhancing Tax Compliance Through Stakeholder Sensitization and Engagement,” the event brought together a diverse audience, including business owners, professional bodies, ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), civil society organizations, and individual taxpayers.

KWIRS Executive Chairman, Shade Omoniyi, underscored the critical importance of taxation for economic growth and the delivery of essential public services.

“Taxation is the lifeblood of any economy. Through faithful tax payments, governments can provide critical infrastructure, quality education, healthcare, and other essential services,” she stated.

Acknowledging the challenges of low tax compliance, Omoniyi called for concerted efforts and collaboration among stakeholders.

“This workshop is designed to tackle pressing issues surrounding tax compliance and provide practical solutions. The journey to improved tax compliance requires collective action, and we are committed to creating an environment where taxpayers feel supported and valued,” she added.

Omoniyi encouraged businesses and individuals to adhere to legal timelines for filing returns, declare all sources of income accurately, and ensure prompt tax payments.

“Let us foster a culture of voluntary compliance, engage in dialogue to resolve challenges, and utilize the resources provided by KWIRS. Together, we can build a society where tax compliance is seen not just as a legal duty but as a shared responsibility for societal progress,” she urged.

The workshop featured presentations on topics such as, Harmonized Bill and Taxes Collectible by the Service Implications of Non-Compliance, Filing Annual Returns, Payment Options, Withholding Tax Regulation 2024

It also introduced the New Tax Reforms Bill aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s tax system.

In his session, KWIRS Head of Corporate Planning, Muhammed Audu, cautioned tax defaulters, emphasizing that evasion would no longer be tolerated.

“There is no hiding place for tax defaulters in Kwara. We have access to records, including bank statements if necessary. Non-compliance strains government resources, increases debt, and results in revenue losses. Voluntary compliance is the best way to avoid penalties,” he warned.

Audu reassured participants of KWIRS’ commitment to fairness, highlighting that dialogue and education are prioritized over punitive measures.

“We aim to increase compliance through engagement and education, not tyranny. The current low compliance rate in Kwara requires a united approach, and that’s what this workshop is about,” he concluded.

The workshop marked a renewed effort by KWIRS to promote interactive initiatives, bridge knowledge gaps, and align stakeholders with Nigeria’s evolving tax policies. Through these engagements, KWIRS hopes to foster a culture of transparency, responsibility, and compliance across Kwara State.

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