By Philip Agba
The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has commenced sensitization and enlightenment campaign of the taxpaying public to secure their buy-in for voluntary tax compliance in the State.
Addressing gentlemen of the press before the flag of the campaign in Calabar, The Executive Chairman Mr. Akpanke Ando Ogar, said “The campaign is part of the efforts to reposition its service and redefine its relationship with tax payers in the State” adding that “the campaign is designed to improve Cross River Internal Revenue Service tax base, increase number of tax payers in the informal and structured sectors of the State‘s economy as well as improving the collection of taxes from the informal sector”.
Mr. Akpanke also made it known that the campaign also aims at acquainting tax payers with various modern means of tax payment; including online platforms and other channels towards growing compliance levels among the populace.
He asserted that “We will deploy a robust social media platform in reaching out to tax payers and have a viable feedback mechanism to address grievances from tax them.”
The Chairman relayed that “the campaign will last for 9 months during which various mass media platforms, include the electronic media and bill boards will be utilized to disseminate information on tax payment; its benefits to the overall well-being of the indigenes of the State and why voluntary tax compliance is the best option for every well meaning citizen.”
Mr. Akpanke further stated that the CRIRS target was to grow the tax base by increasing the compliance level from its current 8% to about 30% within the period of the campaign.