Edwin Okon, the executive chairman of the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS), says professional bodies will be its prime target in 2026 for tax infractions.

Mr Okon disclosed this on Friday in Calabar during a training session organised by IRS for selected key tax-paying companies across the state. No fewer than 50 firms operating in the state attended the training.

The IRS boss said the training aimed to enlighten companies on the newly introduced 2025 Tax Reform Act.

The theme of the training, “Understanding the New PAYE Framework: Implications and Opportunities,” was used to discuss the practical aspects of the revised Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system.

According to the chairman, private firms must do the right thing at the right time by ensuring that they file their returns at the end of every year and by January 31 for individuals.

He called on companies to use the online platform of the service for making their remittances, noting that the state’s IRS had been working towards enabling taxpayers to generate their tax clearance from the comfort of their own homes.

“By 2026, even if your financial transactions are as little as your letterhead, if you are sending instructions to a bank or any financial institution, you must state your Tax Identification Number (TIN).

“Some companies may need to redesign their official letterheads to include their tax identification numbers, as it would become a mandatory requirement,” he explained.

He encouraged organisations to use the IRS’ online platform for remittances, to sensitise their staff on the importance of compliance, and to refuse to give cash to any IRS staff as a form of tax payment.

Delivering a presentation on “Overview of the Nigerian Tax Reform Act 2025,” Esien Ukorebi, former IRS chairman in the state, outlined the objectives, key provisions, and compliance models of the new tax law.

He explained that the reform would commence in January 2026, adding that 97 to 98 per cent of Nigerian workers would either pay PAYE or experience reduced PAYE obligations by that time.

“Tax compliance goes beyond payment; it means fulfilling all obligations as required by law. Individuals earning below ₦30,000 per month are exempted from tax but must still register with the tax authorities,” he explained.

On her part, Lilian Ugbong, the technical adviser to the CRIRS chairman, spoke about the innovations introduced by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) in implementing the 2025 Act.

She explained that the Joint Tax Board (JTB) had evolved into the JRB, with expanded powers and responsibilities aimed at improving tax compliance and harmonising revenue processes across Nigeria.

“The act has strengthened the JRB’s authority and enhanced its collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to drive tax reforms and increase revenue generation,” she noted.

(NAN)