Business
Amaechi Tasks Citizens On Tax Payment
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has urged all eligible tax payers in Rivers State to honour their tax obligations to government as a condition under which they could expect abundant supply of social goods and services from the government.
Amaechi who made the call Thursday said that for any state to live up to its billing in the area of provision of social amenities and infrastructures, every citizen should pay relevant taxes to the government in that state.
It would be recalled that the state government is projecting a revenue base of N93.50 billion from the internally generated revenue, IGR in 2010. This sum constitutes over 25 per cent of the total budget for the year.
He noted that construction of roads, provision of drinkable water and adequate security of life and property were parts of the essential parameters used to measure the performance of any economy, the world over. Amaechi assured that his administration ‘would provide all the need for every citizen to play their part by paying their taxes promptly .
His words: “We believe it is our responsibility to deliver on services but we need the support of the people. The resources available are scarce and everybody needs to be part of the contribution not only in terms of resources but also in the area of management.”
The Governor stated that the civic responsibility of citizens and other residents of the state borders on payment of taxes and other levies which he described as a veritable means of contributing to the process of economic development in the state. “It is important you pay your taxes. This is your civic responsibility, which must be guarded judiciously, he said.”
On the modalities of payment, the Governor explained that taxpayers should visit any branch (1 designated banks for customized bank: teller. In order to ensure accountability, Governor Amaechi advised that taxpayers must always insist on collecting electronic receipts (e-receipts) before leaving the bank’s premises.
The e-receipt, according to him, should thereafter be taken to the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue (RSBIR) for issuance of a government revenue receipt.
The governor, it would be recalled had presented a budget of N429billion to the State House of Assembly for approval for 2010