Lagos begins collection of VAT

The Lagos State Government is going ahead with collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) to its accounts, following a landmark judgement that places the collection of VAT within states jurisdiction.
Gbenga Omotoso, the state’s commissioner for information and strategy is quoted by Businessday as saying that the FIRS’ appeal before at the Appeal Court does not translate to a stay of execution and as such the state is legally backed to collect the tax.
“An appeal is not a stay of execution.
For us in Lagos, our position is that we have the backing of the law to demand and collect VAT.
The court has ruled and we are following the judgment,” Mr Omotoso is quoted as saying.
The state government had directed the FIRS to stop issuing demand notices for payment of VAT in the state and to render accounts, within seven days, of all sums collected as VAT in the current accounting circle in the state.
The state government premised its demands on the ruling of the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court.
The court had last month declared the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Personal Income Tax by the federal government unconstitutional, issuing a restraining order against the internal revenue.
The landmark judgement implies that state governments can take the VAT payments in their jurisdictions.
FIRS responded to the ruling by appealing the ruling.
The revenue collection body added that it had filed a stay of execution, advising the public to continue regular payments to it.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economy
Nigeria ranks bottom in Africa as only 12% approve of Tinubu’s electricity performance: Report
Only one in eight Nigerians, or 12 per cent, gave Mr Tinubu pass marks for his government’s performance on electricity.

Heading 1
Obi Campaign Crisis: ‘Unheard of, nonsensical’, NDC leader Dickson blasts OK Movement
“Never in the history of the world have support groups set up a presidential campaign council. It’s unheard of and nonsensical,” said Seriake Dickson.

Health
NCDC tightens Ebola surveillance in Nigeria
NCDC says travellers from countries with active or relevant Ebola transmission may need Health Declaration Forms under enhanced surveillance measures.

Abuja
EFCC chair Olukoyede meets LG chairs, traditional rulers over corruption
EFCC tells council chairs and traditional rulers in Nigeria that anti-corruption enforcement would penetrate the grassroots to bring development closer to the people.

Rights
Ondo attorney general seeks end to autopsy fees for homicide victims
The attorney general of Ondo, Olukayode Ajulo, has called for an end to the payment of autopsy fees by families of suspected homicide victims.

Sport
4,000 athletes competing in Akwa Ibom sports festival: Gov Eno
According to Mr Eno, sports play a significant role in his administration’s ARISE agenda, especially in developing and empowering youths.





