The Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has announced new measures for tax remittances and other processes in taxation in the face of Covid-19.

BIRS Executive Chairman Andrew Ayabam, in a statement made available to journalists Tuesday, 30th June, 2020 in Makurdi, the Benue State said the new measures are intended to mitigate against the effect of Covid-19 on tax payers in the state.

He said the tax agency is aware that it will be difficult for taxpayers to engage in physical or manual tax process, in view of Covid-19 protocols and has “fully digitalised its tax processes.”

According to the Chairman, the digitalised tax processes include Electronic Taxpayer Registration, Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), Electronic Filing of Returns and Electronic Payment of taxes.

He also announced the extension of time for “filing of Annual Returns for individuals in business from 31st March, 2020 to 31st May, 2020.”

Furthermore, BIRS has “provided dedicated e-mails address to be used by taxpayers and tax pactitioners during this period,” Ayabam added.

“The Service has considered the lockdown period and granted exception to taxpayers that are unable to file their
objection to tax assessment within the statutory period,” the Chairman noted.

He therefore, adviced BIRS staff to continue to see themselves as being on
duty wherever they are, by keeping their communication lines open and being in readiness to give directive as often as may become necessary.

He also disclosed that the Executive Governor of Benue State has granted a waiver of 50 per cent on land rated fees and charges.

According to the Chairman, the tax agency has “engaged in an online sensitisation campaign for taxpayers on the importance of the use of e-platforms for transactions.”