By Dare Akogun with Agency Reports
The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, KWIRS has responded to allegations of alleged intimidation, extortion, and unlawful locking up of their facilities by the Association of hotel owners in the state.
Head of Corporate Affairs, KWIRS, Mrs Titi Ogunwale, explained that both parties had been engaged in a series of dialogues and discussions in the past.
She expressed surprise at the hoteliers’ allegations and explained that meetings were held and resolutions were made on how to resolve issues.
“I am surprised to see this coming up again; we have had continuous collaborations with all associations in the state.
“If they are not happy, they can invite us or we invite them for discussion, which we have been doing.
“We held meetings two weeks ago and resolution was made by both parties. I do not know where all these claims they are making are coming from,’’ she said.
Ogunwale explained that KWIRS had already explained the legal procedure on what should be done to the hoteliers.
She observed that the association’s allegations would not help matters and that KWIRS would continue to educate relevant stakeholders on the issue of taxation.
She stressed that the position of the law was that anyone engaged in business activities in the state and was making profit, must pay taxes.
She noted that where business owners were running at a loss, they were not required to pay any tax as long as they present their evidence to the service.
The KWIRS spokesperson explained that the agency only collects taxes based on assessments by relevant ministries and does not generate the bills.
Ogunwale stressed that the agency was not rigid and explained that where there were complaints, “business owners can reach out to the relevant ministry, which will, in turn, communicate decisions to KWIRS’’.
(NAN)
