Gombe Inaugurates Tax Tribunal to Curb Evasion
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Tuesday inaugurated the tax recovery tribunal to reduce the level of evasion witnessed by the State Internal Revenue Service.
Our correspondent reports that previously the Gombe State revenue board patronised the tribunal in miles away Bauchi to prosecute tax related cases.
Speaking during the inauguration, Yahaya urged the tribunal to operate with fairness, adding that he expected increase in the state’s revenue generation, following the coming of the tribunal.
According to him, the establishment of the tribunal was geared towards ensuring transparency in tax system.
He said, “The establishment of the tribunal is another milestone in our resolve to change the old narratives. It is our firm believe that revenue generation must be taken seriously if the people will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance.
“It is my believe that the tribunal will serve as catalyst and leading vehicle towards the socio-economic development of our dear state.
Commenting on the impact of tax collection, the governor added, “I’m convinced that the revenue recovery is a necessary body charged with the mandate to expeditiously adjudicate on revenue matters such as levies, charges, penalties and fines in line with my determination to take the state to greater heights this administration is currently completing the Dukku road motor park and developing Muhammadu Buhari Industrial park.”
Yahaya said, “It is my hope that the establishment of this tribunal will curb the incidences of tax evasion, guarantee fairness of the tax system, enhance taxpayers confidence.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the tribunal Muhammad Jungudo, said
He said, “Any aggrieved person can now simply come and initiate a process before the Tribunal here in Gombe State without taking the risk of going to Bauchi as it were before. A person who is aggrieved by an assessment or demand notice made upon him by the service or aggrieved by any action or decision or the Service under the provisions may come to the Tribunal to file an action against Such action, decision, assessment, or demand notice within 30 days of such action, decision, assessment, or demand notice.
“On the other hand, the Service, if aggrieved in relation to any person in respect of any provisions of the Tax Laws, can also file an action before the Tribunal in order to recover any revenue that is due to the State or Local Government.”
On his part, Chairman of the Service, Abubakar Tata, said the establishment of the tribunal would create the needed foundation to tax collection in the state.
