…Stresses the need to pay tax for Development

Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to the development of the State and the welfare of residents.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun who gave the assurance in Ado Ekiti, described the Biodun Oyebanji administration as one focused on economic development and takes necessary policy measures to accomplish its goal of making the State prosper.

According to him, the planned implementation of the Land Use Charge (LUC) law slated to commence early next year is part of efforts of the administration to balance growth and social development, adding that the development would enable Government utilize the State resources and influence to attack poverty and expand economic opportunities.

He said Governor Oyebanji had successfully established the genuineness of the commitment of his administration to proper management of the State resources and the rapid development of the State as well as the general well-being of the people, adding that it would therefore not be difficult for taxpayers to comply with the LUC.

Olatunbosun stressed that apart from tremendously improving the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State; the LUC properly harmonize taxes and makes it easier for people to pay tax.

He noted that the LUC which was passed into law on 17th October, 2013 is a consolidation of Ground Rent, Tenement Rate and Neighbourhood Improvement Levy, emphasizing that the harmonization would mean that the tax payers would be relieved of having to pay tax piecemeal to different levels of government and the awkwardness of being answerable to several authorities at the same time.

The Commissioner therefore urged taxpayers in the State to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Government to perform their civic responsibilities without needless stress.

He said that the system is tailored according to world global best practices, adding that no country worth its salt would allow tax evasion.

“Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) was borne out of the need to generate funds for the socio-economic development of Ekiti State and Land Use Charge (LUC) is an Ekiti State Property Tax backed by the Ekiti State Land Use Charge Law, Law No 3 of 2013. LUC is a consolidation of Ground Rent, Tenement Rate and Neighbourhood Improvement Levy. If the State must develop, then all of us must take responsibility and pay our taxes”, he said.