Nigeria’s tax collection agency, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has launched a USSD code that will give taxpayers access to relevant information. The USSD Code, *829#, was introduced by the FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, during the agency’s Customer Service week tagged “Above and Beyond.”
The new initiative makes Nigeria one of the 6 African countries with a USSD code for Tax collection and other related matters.
According to the FIRS, the new code will enable taxpayers to retrieve their Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC), acquire information relating to tax types and rates, get answers to any tax-related inquiries and locate the nearest FIRS office.
Explaining the agency’s new initiative, the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, highlighted that the service can be enjoyed anywhere. “every taxpayer, whether in bustling cities or remote areas, can engage with FIRS seamlessly.”
He added that the Federal Inland Revenue Service is dedicated to making tax payment transparent and effective across the nation: “With the *829# USSD code, taxpayers now have the power to retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number, verify their Tax Clearance Certificate, access information on tax types and rates, locate our nearest office, and get answers to general tax-related inquiries.”
In addition, FIRS introduced the Customer Centricity Guide, a booklet that contains policies, processes and procedures that protect taxpayers’ rights.
Expressing the significance of the Customer Centricity Guide, the special adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman noted that the service is part of their pledge to remain dedicated:
“Equally important is the unveiling of the Customer Centricity Guide. This guide embodies our commitment to putting taxpayers at the centre of our service delivery. It outlines the principles and values to drive our interactions with taxpayers by ensuring that every engagement is defined by respect, professionalism, and efficiency.”
In response, the national coordinator of Servicom, Nnenna Akajemeli, praised the FIRS for its focus on taxpayers’ satisfaction. According to her, the efforts are evident.
FIRS Targets 18% Tax-GDP Ratio by 2026
Following the introduction of a mobile service via the USSD code, the tax agency has also set sights on reaching a benchmark of 18% tax to GDP ratio by 2026. Recall that the Federal Government has plans to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10% and 15% before 2027.
To generate more revenue, the FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Zaccheus Adedeji stressed the need to strengthen the government’s treasury. According to him, this should be borne by every Nigerian.
“We are all agents of the same government, united by one vision: to ramp up revenue for the growth and development of Nigeria and, by extension, for the benefit of its citizens. It is no longer news that our nation is facing economic challenges, but as a government, we must look inward and increase our internally generated revenue.”
FIRS to regulate to tax crypto earnings
As part of its bid to meet its 18% tax to GDP target mark in two years, the FIRS, last week introduced an Executive Bill to the National Assembly. The bill aims to overhaul Nigeria’s revenue system and regulate the cryptocurrency sector.
Zacch Adedeji, chairman, FIRS revealed during a stakeholders’ engagement with the National Assembly’s joint committee on Finance in Lagos that “the aim of the bill is to simplify our tax laws, harmonise revenue collection, and replace outdated regulations with new ones that align with our current economic environment.
Speaking further, Adedeji highlighted the need to modernise outdated tax laws. “For instance, the Stamp Duty Act was established in 1939, before the internet and modern technology. We need to update this law to reflect our current realities,” he said.
The chairman also noted the bill addresses the unregulated cryptocurrency sector. “Cryptocurrency is an integral part of today’s economy, yet Nigeria lacks a legal framework for its operations. We need to introduce regulations that support economic growth while protecting our financial system,” Adedeji said.
Read more here: Nigeria’s FIRS seeks new law to regulate cryptocurrency from September
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
