ABIA GOVT SAYS TAX AUTOMATION IS NOT A TAX HIKE

The Abia State Government has defended its ongoing tax administration reforms, saying the automation of revenue collection is aimed at improving transparency and accountability rather than increasing the tax burden on residents.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the reforms were designed to make tax administration more transparent, traceable, auditable, automated, and taxpayer-friendly.

He said the government was focused on eliminating revenue leakages, multiple collections, and arbitrary practices within the tax system.

Kanu explained that the integration of revenue collection systems, particularly at vehicle licensing offices, would reduce cash handling and ensure that payments made by taxpayers were properly accounted for and remitted to the government.

He also clarified that there had been no increase in Pay-As-You-Earn, land, or vehicle taxes, noting that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue could not unilaterally change tax rates.

On Tax Clearance Certificates, Kanu said the process was being implemented in line with existing tax laws and the new national tax framework, which require proper assessment of taxpayers' income.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Emmanuel Okpechi, said the reforms were intended to promote transparency for both taxpayers and the government.

He said taxpayers would be expected to declare their income honestly, while the government would ensure that no individual or business was taxed beyond what the law permits.

The Executive Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Uche Elekwachi, also maintained that the board had not increased taxes but was enforcing existing laws and introducing systems to improve compliance.

He explained that the government had consolidated various payments to reduce multiple demand notices and make the payment process simpler for taxpayers.

The government said the reforms were necessary to strengthen revenue administration, block leakages, and create a more efficient and accountable tax system in Abia State.