The Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) Acting Executive Chairman, Mr. Justice R. Okoye has met with the Imo State Hoteliers Association.
The visit which held on Monday, 2nd of September 2024 at the IIRS Headquarters was aimed at fostering unity between the Service and the association in order to enhance revenue generation.
The IIRS Chairman welcomed directors and members of the association led by the Chairman, Chief Chima Chukwunyere.
The Chairman of the association congratulated the IIRS Boss on his re-appointment and added that the association is prepared to partner with the service to achieve the goal of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Professor Bethram Ozumba, a director of the association raised issues faced by members which has hindered the activities of the hotels.
These issues include: insecurity, economic hardship, low patronage to mention a few and pointed out that some taxes which were paid by members of the association need to be reviewed.
He mentioned that an agreement on tax payment existed before now and solicited for a continuation on the agreement.
Prof. Ozumba promised the IIRS Chairman that members will be willing to make payments based on the agreement.
The IIRS Chairman in his response stated that as strong partners with the association, the Service will ensure the association is carried along in the business of revenue generation, stressing that despite the economic situation in the country, obligation to tax payments cannot be over emphasised.
He added that a lot of the members have not been compliant with payment of taxes from 2021.
After a meaningful dialogue, it was agreed that the association would sensitise their members and encourage them to pay the owed debts for 2021 and 2022 within 30 days as agreed by both parties. Based on the compliance level, the Chairman would discuss the 2023 and 2024 assessments with His Excellency, the Executive Governor.