By Chinenye Anuforo, Lagos
Understanding the need for a convenient tax filing and payment system in the country, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in collaboration with Interswitch, Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce company hosted a sensitisation programme in Lagos.
The programme themed, ‘Sustainable Tax Management: Exploring Digital Remittance’ was held on Thursday, November 24, 2022, and had in attendance stakeholders within the revenue service value chain – private citizens, tax managers, accountants, tax auditors, tax consultants, bankers, and businessowners.
To increase awareness of the benefits of adopting the digital tax remittance system, FIRS introduced the taxpayers’ sensitisation programme. The activities for the programme included demo and enquiry sessions on the Tax-Pro Max e-filing platform launched by the Government tax management agency to address the complications experienced by taxpayers using the previous collection system.
Interswitch, as a key technology partner to the FIRS, showcased its Paydirect solution as a simple and reliable payment option on the FIRS Tax Administration Platform (TaxPro-Max).
The Paydirect solution, which is integrated with the FIRS’ TaxPro Max system, adds to the seamlessness in the filing and remittance of taxes, boosting the efficiency of the collection system and facilitating compliance.
Speaking at the event, Group Head, Government, Interswitch, Osasere Atohengbe, noted that the rise of technology-led processes has led to the improvement of service delivery, and Interswitch, as a technology-driven and user-focused company, will continue to work with the collection agency to ensure that taxpayers have access to easy tax filing and payment systems, while also boosting government revenue and national development.
Atohengbe added, “Not only is it important to pay taxes to improve infrastructural development, but the system of tax payment also needs to be addressed to ensure that its collection is sustainable, seamless, transparent and effective.
“To do this, taxpayers need to be in the loop, and we at Interswitch will continue our work with the FIRS to provide the necessary infrastructure that promotes the adoption of digital tax payments among taxpayers.”
The event also featured award presentations to stakeholders and partners of Interswitch and the tax collection agency for their continued support in advancing the goal of tax collection in the country.
Remarking on the sensitisation of the critical mass on the need for the uptake of digital remittance in the country, the Assistant Director, Taxpayer Service Department, Manasseh Otega, noted that there was a significant growth in the number of taxpayers as it continues in its awareness drive.
Recently, Interswitch and FIRS concluded a sensitisation program held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), extending its message across the country, in a bid to improve the taxpayers’ experience, widen the tax net and simplify tax remittance.
