Entrepreneur Advocates for One-Stop Tax Centre to Combat Multiple Taxation in Rivers State
An entrepreneur expert, My-ACE China, has urged the Rivers State government to prioritize the establishment of a one-stop-tax centre in the state. This initiative, according to him, would protect businesses from violent and fraudulent revenue collectors, thereby addressing the persistent issue of multiple taxation. China emphasized that introducing sanity into the tax collection arena would help Rivers State develop a fraud-free and violence-free tax system, which in turn would significantly boost business operations and attract more investments to the region.
Proposed Solutions for a Sanitized Tax System
China, who serves as the CEO of Mayor of Housing Ltd, acknowledged that there are emerging signs of a fraud-free tax collection system in Rivers State. However, he noted that this challenge could be further improved if the system is intentionally sanitized. He made these remarks during a breakfast meeting jointly organized by BusinessDay Media Limited, known as the Voice of Business, and the Rivers Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), held recently in Port Harcourt.
During his address, China outlined three key areas that businesses want to see addressed in connection with tax collection in the state:
- Protection of Taxpaying Businesses: Ensuring that businesses are shielded from harassment by fraudulent tax collectors.
- Tax Incentives: Implementing measures to encourage compliance and investment.
- Harmonization of Taxes: Creating a unified system to make tax payments easier and less burdensome for private practitioners.
Enhancing Business Environment Through Digitalization
The Mayor of Housing highlighted the state's intent to rid the area of hoodlums by establishing an emergency number for business people to report harassment. He also emphasized the importance of not only arresting but prosecuting these individuals. "So, Rivers State is not only ready for business, but Rivers State is no longer a haven for fraudulent tax collectors," he stated.
China further advised the state government and tax authorities on strategies to encourage business owners. He stressed the need for tax harmonization, explaining that no private practitioner wants to pay tax only to discover they paid the wrong collector due to a lack of a unified system. "That is why the one-stop-shop by the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RSIPA) is something the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service should embrace and harmonize," he said, advocating for close collaboration to ensure all businesses can easily access and comply with tax requirements.
Additionally, he called for the protection of taxpaying businesses and the establishment of a one-stop-centre for tax matters and levies in the state. China also recommended land sanitization through digital systems, similar to initiatives in Abuja, to make land acquisition and development seamless. He commended the RIRS, led by Executive Chairman Sir Israel Egbunefu, for bringing sanity to tax collection and partnering with BusinessDay to launch tax education and engagement series with the private sector.
Practical Implementation and Expert Insights
China provided a practical example of his advocacy through his flagship project, the Alesa Highland Sustainable Green Smart City in Eleme Local Government Area. "I have championed the creation of the Alesa Land Development Authority that sanitizes all land transactions in Alesa community and ensures there's no room for land grabbers or fraud," he explained, noting that every land transaction must go through this authority for sanitization.
In his speech, RIRS boss Sir Egbunefu outlined measures being implemented to end tax touting, highlighting that the system is undergoing digitization to improve efficiency and transparency. During the welcome remarks, Dr. Patrick Ijegbai, General Manager of Business Development & Marketing, stated that the newspaper recognized the need to rally the private sector and tax regulators to find solutions to tax challenges. This collaboration aims to boost revenue for the state and enhance compliance among companies, particularly by exploring new tax laws.
Adding to the discussion, Prof. John Ohaka of Rivers State University demonstrated how the digitalization of tax processes could benefit both businesses and the government. He showed that such measures could lead to businesses paying less while the government generates more revenue, creating a win-win scenario for all stakeholders involved.
