The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has issued a stern warning to all employers of labour in the territory to file their annual returns of income from all sources for the year 2023 or face legal consequences.
The FCT-IRS said the deadline for filing the returns is January 31, 2024, and that any employer who fails to comply will be liable to penalties as stipulated in the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended).
The FCT-IRS is the agency responsible for the assessment, collection and accounting of taxes and other revenues accruing to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the Head of Corporate Communications at the FCT-IRS, Mustapha Sumaila, the demand for filing the annual returns is in line with Section 41 of PITA, which mandates all employers of labour in the FCT to file annual returns before January 31 of every year using the prescribed forms, Form G and Form H1 respectively.
He said the forms are available in both online and offline formats, and that employers can choose the option that suits them best.
“Organizations that wish to file online may visit www.fctirs.gov.ng and click on create account or click on login for those who already have accounts, or you can proceed to any of the FCT-IRS offices to submit electronic copies of your returns,” he said.
“The forms are also available in the 15 offices including the Service’s headquarters for those who may want to file manually.”
He added that the FCT-IRS will not hesitate to enforce the law on defaulters, as Sections 94, 95 and 96 of PITA clearly state the penalties for non-filing, incorrect/false declaration and late submission.
“Meanwhile, FCT-IRS enjoins employers of labour, organisations and agents to file their returns before the January 31 deadline otherwise the late filers and non-filers will be penalised in accordance with the law,” he stated.
The FCT-IRS also urged taxpayers in the territory to take advantage of the various tax incentives and reliefs available to them, such as the tax clearance certificate, the tax identification number, the consolidated relief allowance, the pension contribution, the national housing fund contribution, the national health insurance scheme contribution, the life assurance premium, the gratuity and the compensation for loss of employment.
The FCT-IRS said it is committed to providing quality service to taxpayers and enhancing the revenue base of the FCT.
