The newly established Tax Ombud has received a total of 20 complaints within its first three months of operation, with the majority of these grievances related to state-level taxes. This was disclosed by the Tax Ombud, Mr. John Doe, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
Complaint Breakdown and Nature
According to Mr. Doe, out of the 20 complaints received, 14 were about state taxes, while the remaining six were about federal taxes. He noted that the complaints ranged from double taxation to alleged harassment by tax officials and delays in processing tax refunds.
“We have seen a mix of issues, but the predominant ones are about multiple taxation and the conduct of some tax officers,” Mr. Doe said. “Our mandate is to ensure that taxpayers are treated fairly and that tax administration is transparent and efficient.”
State Taxes Dominance
The high proportion of state tax complaints is not surprising, given that state governments have been more aggressive in revenue collection in recent years. Many states have introduced new levies and taxes, leading to confusion and disputes among taxpayers.
Mr. Doe explained that the ombud’s office is working with state tax authorities to resolve these complaints amicably. “We have already resolved 12 of the 20 complaints, and the rest are in various stages of resolution,” he added.
Impact and Next Steps
The establishment of the Tax Ombud is part of broader tax reforms aimed at improving taxpayer confidence and compliance. The ombud’s office serves as an independent channel for taxpayers to seek redress without resorting to litigation.
“We encourage taxpayers to come forward with their grievances. Our office is independent and impartial, and we are committed to ensuring that every complaint is thoroughly investigated,” Mr. Doe stated.
Going forward, the Tax Ombud plans to conduct sensitization programs across the country to educate taxpayers about their rights and the services available. The office also aims to reduce the time taken to resolve complaints to within 30 days.
