As part of strategies to enhance the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Imo State, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS), Mr. Justice Remijus Okoye, visited the Comptroller of the Immigration Service, Imo State Command, Comptroller Patrick O. Ebegbune.
Mr. Okoye commended the Comptroller for the timely improvement in issuance of international passport in the state. He highlighted the need for collaboration between the Revenue Service and the immigration office in critical areas which include Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) being a prerequisite for passport application and issuance.
He announced that a tax management solution has been deployed to assist in verifying the authenticity of TCCs. He also mentioned the importance of PAYE remittance for Immigration staff and data sharing regarding expatriates’ residence in the state.
In response, Comptroller Ebegbune welcomed Mr. Okoye and his team. He explained that the immigration service operates under strict regulations set by the passport directorate in Abuja, which has not traditionally included a TCC requirement. However, he assured the Chairman that the command would sensitise applicants and staff on the importance of requesting for and obtaining TCC as a civic responsibility.
He noted that PAYE deductions are made at source and remitted by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and urged the Service to collaborate with the IPPIS for better coordination of PAYE remittances. He also assured the IIRS Chairman that the command would monitor TCC compliance for expatriates, as it is part of their routine checks on companies and their employees.