KWIRS threatens clampdown on tax evaders, seeks EFCC’s support

The Kwara Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) has asked for the support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in handling the increase rate of tax evasion in the state.

While speaking during a working visit to the new Zonal Head of EFCC Ilorin Office, the Executive Chairman of KWIRS, Shade Omoniyi, alongside the management staff of the service, made the appeal on Thursday.

Omoniyi said, “We are here to seek your support in tackling the menace of tax evasion in Kwara.

“We need the support of relevant government agencies like EFCC to curb tax evasion in public and private sectors within the state.”

She decried the rate of tax evasion within the state, describing it as criminal.

The KWIRS boss reiterated that the government could not properly provide the needed infrastructure when citizens and corporate organisations refused to pay tax.

“We look forward to strengthening our relationship with EFCC in the area of gathering intelligence about taxpayers and enforcement of relevant laws,” she said.

Meanwhile, the EFCC boss showed his appreciation for the visit. He promised that the commission is ever ready to render support to any agency of government, including KWIRS in achieving its mandate.

He added that there was an ongoing process by the commission to have a tax fraud desk created in the zone.

“When created, the Tax Fraud Desk in conjunction with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, will greatly help in dealing with issues of corruption, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows within the state,” he said.