The acting Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr Michael Ango has promised to help businesses to thrive in the territory for the progress of the nation’s capital.
He made the promise when he received a delegation from the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) led by the President, Chief Emeka Obegolu in Abuja, last week.
Ango explained that it is a known fact that revenue collection or administration does not exist in a vacuum rather it exists in the context of the larger economy and whatever happens in the economy would certainly have impact on revenue collection adding that when businesses thrive, it would have a positive impact on revenue generation and if businesses are in bad shape, it will also affect the collection.
The FCT-IRS boss noted that the focus of the current administration was to improve the ease of doing business and create a conducive environment for businesses to grow.
“One of the major policy statement that the President made in terms of taxation and revenues, is that we should not tax the seeds, but we should tax the fruits and this demonstrates his commitment to enhance ease of doing business” he stated.
Meanwhile the Acting Executive Chairman disclosed that henceforth the Service would be seen doing more on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to give back to businesses and communities across the territory.
“The FCT-IRS as a tax authority will now be visible in the area of CSR. We can go to the market, plazas and offer assistance by improving their facilities in order to have a conducive environment. In doing this, they will understand that we are not only coming to take from them but to also give to support their businesses”
Ango said the Service under his leadership was mapping out strategies to promote voluntary compliance by the taxpayers adding that, in taxation voluntary compliance was the best form of compliance.
He thanked the ACCI team for the visit and assured them of his support and continued collaboration by the Service to promote business activities in the FCT. The chairman however harped on the need to maximise the relationship to guarantee mutual benefits between the two organisations.
Earlier in his remarks, the President Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Chief Emeka Obegolu, congratulated the FCT-IRS Chairman on his appointment and expressed gratitude for the historical support the Service has rendered, emphasizing the positive impact on business opportunities.
