FIRS Orders Banks to Close Unauthorised Tax Accounts Immediately

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has directed banks to immediately identify and close any FIRS tax and levy collection accounts not authorized under the TaxPro Max system. The TaxPro Max is a homegrown tax administration platform that facilitates tax-related activities, including registration, filing, payment, and issuance of tax clearance certificates, among others.

A public notice signed by FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji and made available to newsmen by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, stated that the decision was part of ongoing efforts to boost efficiency and transparency in tax collection, as well as ensure uniformity and seamless reconciliation of tax payments.

The public notice, entitled “Directive to Close Unauthorized FIRS Tax Collection Accounts,” stated, “Effectively immediately, all tax and levy collections on behalf of FIRS must be processed exclusively pursuant to an assessment raised on the TaxPro Max platform.”

“All banks participating in the FIRS Collection, Remittance, and Reconciliation Scheme are hereby advised to comply with this directive within the stipulated period.

All banks participating in the FIRS Collection, Remittance, and Reconciliation Scheme are hereby advised to comply with this directive within the stipulated period

We count on your cooperation to ensure a smooth transition to this centralized system, thereby contributing to a more transparent and efficient tax collection process,” the statement read.

The FIRS urged taxpayers and other stakeholders to reach out to the Revenue Accounting and Refund Department (RAAD) for any clarifications or support regarding the directive.