ZIRS seals more business premises over tax debts

The committee constituted by the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service (ZIRS) has continued sealing shops and business premises of individuals who fail to pay their taxes as stipulated by the board.

The board stated that taxpayers were given ample time to comply but failed to do so, adding that many preferred paying directly to staff instead of the board’s account due to sharp practices.

“We have said it time and again that every taxpayer must pay through the electronic system, but they didn’t comply. Hence, we had to seal their business places to force them to pay,” the management said.

numerous business centers were sealed in Gusau, the state capital, as security personnel accompanied the committee members.

It was also gathered that over 20 business centers have been sealed in Gusau and other locations due to non-compliance.

One of the victims, Abubakar Iliyasu, stated that he had been paying his tax to a staff member of the board, but his medicine shop was sealed by the committee.

He explained that he rushed to the bank and cleared his debts, losing all he had previously paid to the staff.

After settling over N20,000 in debts, the committee returned with its operational vehicle and reopened his shop.

Many others reportedly cleared their debts, leading to the reopening of their business centers.

Recall that the Executive Chairperson of the Zamfara State Inland Revenue Service, Rukiyya Ahmad Dodo, had warned that the committee was established to seal business places of those who fail to abide by tax laws.