Pulse.ng : Kaduna internal revenue service alert residents on fraudulent tax collectors

By Sani Idris

The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) has alerted residents of the state on fraudulent tax collectors and the need to be vigilant.

Addressing a press briefing on Friday in Kaduna, the Executive Chairman of the service, Jerry Adams, said their attention was drawn to the activities of some unscrupulous individuals and groups operating in various strategic locations across the state.

He explained that the groups and individuals were falsely claiming to be empowered by the KADIRS to collect taxes, levies and fines.

Describing them as criminals, Adams said that they have formed a coordinated cartel thereby deceiving

unsuspecting members of the public and engaging in criminal activities that undermine the integrity of the state's revenue collection process.

He therefore noted that the individuals or groups were not affiliated with KADIRS, and the service have not authorised any person or group outside of its official channels to collect any form of levies or taxes on its behalf.

"We strongly advise all residents to be vigilant and refrain from engaging with these impostors," he added.

The KADIRS boss said the service is fully committed to ending the menace, adding that they have already begun apprehending some of those involved and also committed to fishing out the rest and their sponsors.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activities or persons claiming to represent KADIRS without proper identification and authorisation.

He emphasised that all payments are made through the official KADIRS channels to avoid falling victim to the fraudsters.

Speaking further, Adams said the service also noticed that fake number plates and tax clearance certificates are being floated across the state in connivance with some staff of the service.

"This criminal activity not only defrauds the state but also undermines the trust placed in our institution by the good people of Kaduna state. We are taking stringent measures to identify and deal with any staff involved in these illegal activities and their cohorts.

He assured the public that any staff or other persons found to be aiding the criminals or participating in fraudulent practices would face the full weight of the law.

"Under no circumstances should payments be made to any private accounts or individuals.

All official payments are to be made only through approved KADIRS channels, such as designated banks or our official digital platforms.

He also reassured all residents of KADIRS dedication to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and accountability in all its operations.

To taxpayers, the KADIRS boss urged them to ensure that all tax clearance applications and payments are done through proper channels.(NAN)