The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) has vehemently denied allegations that it has been victimising Igbo business owners in the state over non-compliance with tax payment laws.
The agency issued a statement on Saturday, refuting the claims published by an online platform, which the agency believes was intended to stir up ethnic sentiment.
The statement, signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs, Funmilola Oguntunbi, explained that the alleged victimisation of Igbo traders was a malicious and inciting publication that targeted the personality of the state governor and the KW-IRS. The agency also stated that the publication was aimed at gaining undue public sympathy and was a result of bad faith.
The statement further clarified that the execution of tax judgments against traders in the state was non-discriminatory, as evidenced by the fact that six judgment debtors/taxpayers were affected, including three Igbo traders and three Yoruba traders. The affected businesses included electrical appliances, boutique dealers, automobile spare parts, phone accessories, and educational services.
The KW-IRS emphasized that it has adopted a non-discriminatory policy on the assessment and collection of personal income tax, in compliance with relevant provisions of the federal law. The agency warned against interference with matters already before a court of competent jurisdiction and urged those behind the publication to refrain from heating up the polity.
The statement concluded by advising the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and its cohorts to refrain from publishing falsehoods and to respect the constitutional powers and functions of the court.
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