Delta State Alerts Public on Bogus Tax Demands, Impostor Collectors

The Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) has issued a stern caution to residents and businesses, warning them against individuals who are distributing counterfeit tax demand notices and unlawfully collecting revenue under the guise of the state government.

Solomon Ighrakpata, the Chairman of the DSIRS, brought this critical issue to light in a statement released on Tuesday. He expressed concern that these fraudulent activities could lead to significant financial losses for taxpayers and create leakages in the state's revenue generation system.

Ighrakpata clarified that the DSIRS has not granted permission to any individual or third-party agent to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes outside of its officially sanctioned channels. He emphasized this point, stating, “The 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 strongly advised taxpayers and various enterprises to meticulously verify the authenticity of any tax demand notice, assessment, or payment request they receive before proceeding with any payment.

Furthermore, the chairman urged the public to strictly utilise only the government-approved payment platforms for all tax transactions. He also encouraged citizens to promptly report any suspicious tax demands or individuals claiming to represent the DSIRS to the appropriate authorities.

Mr. Ighrakpata confirmed that the service is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those involved in issuing fake tax notices, impersonation, and fraudulent revenue collection schemes. He cautioned that such illicit activities not only erode public trust in the state’s tax framework but also divert essential funds intended for crucial government projects and public services.

He concluded by reassuring taxpayers of the DSIRS's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Delta State’s revenue collection system and upholding transparent and accountable tax administration practices.