The Federal Inland Rev

enue
Service (FIRS) in Akwa Ibom says it will Investigate the extent of tax evasion
and prosecute culprits in the state.

The State Tax Controller, Mrs Mafiana Uche, gave the warning
while briefing newsmen in Uyo.

Uche said the Federal Government was not happy with the rate
of tax evasion in Nigeria, pointing out that companies found culpable would be
charged to court.

She said that some companies close their books from being
examined by tax auditors, while others whose books were examined fail to pay
their taxes.

Uche categorised tax evaders into three groups: those who
hide their books of accounts from tax officers, those who allow their books to
be examined but never pay their taxes, and those who do not register with the
tax office.

The controller said that the country would not develop if
individuals and companies evade tax.

“There are places we visit for audit purposes, when we get
there, people do not cooperate with tax officers by opening their books and
other necessary documents for audit.

“They keep restraining our people and postponing the
auditing to evade payment of tax,’’ she said.

According to her, tax evasion in Nigeria is a criminal
offence, this is why we are using this avenue to sensitise the public on the
necessity of being tax compliant.

She, however, said that it was not the wish of the Federal
Government to coerce any organisation to pay tax.