By Ebiseri Goldpin
WARRI/Nigeria: The Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) has cautioned taxpayers and members of the public against fake tax demand notices and other fraudulent documents being issued by persons falsely presenting themselves as officials or authorised agents of the Service.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Chairman of DSIRS, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, who said the circulation of counterfeit tax documents could expose unsuspecting taxpayers to financial losses while depriving the state government of legitimate revenue.
Ighrakpata said the Service had not authorised individuals or unauthorised agents to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes outside its approved procedures and official payment channels.
According to him, the activities of such persons constitute a serious criminal offence and could undermine confidence in the state’s tax administration system.
He urged taxpayers to verify the authenticity of any tax assessment, demand notice, payment request or official correspondence purportedly issued by DSIRS before making any payment.
“DSIRS wishes to categorically state that it has not authorised any individual or unauthorised agent to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes on its behalf outside established and approved channels,” he said.
The chairman advised taxpayers, businesses and other members of the public to make tax payments only through officially approved government channels and to report suspicious notices or individuals claiming to represent the Service.
Ighrakpata disclosed that DSIRS was working with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute persons involved in the production and circulation of fake demand notices, impersonation of tax officials and other forms of fraudulent revenue collection.
He warned that such activities not only cause revenue leakages to government but can also result in financial losses for taxpayers and disrupt the administration of the state’s tax system.
The DSIRS chairman further assured legitimate taxpayers that the Service was committed to protecting the integrity of the revenue collection process and strengthening transparency and accountability in tax administration.
He therefore called for greater vigilance and cooperation from taxpayers, urging them to verify any questionable tax-related communication through the Service’s official channels before making payments.
The Service’s official website provides taxpayer services and contact information for verification and enquiries.
