The Sokoto state government on Friday said it had provided tax reliefs and incentives for taxpayers and businesses to cushion the effect COVID-19 Pandemic effect on the state.
Abdussamad Dasuki, the commissioner for Finance, said this in a statement issued by Muhammad Bello, Special Adviser Media and Publicity to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto.
Mr Dasuki said the government also suspended the imposition of presumptive tax levy.
“This is on all businesses operating in the informal sectors from April to December 31.
“The state government has introduced electronic payment platforms where taxpayers can pay their taxes from the comfort of their homes and offices with less exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In addition, the government has also suspended the annual tax audit exercise for educational and entertainment sectors from March 1 to August 31,” the commissioner said.
He further said that the government had extended the collection of land use charge for residential and commercial property in the state from March 1, to Sept. 30.
“In the same vein, the deadline for businesses to file their 2019 annual tax returns has been extended from March 1, to September 30.
“Moreover, the penalty on late filing of 2020 annual returns for all businesses operating in the state have been suspended until September 30,” Mr Dasuki added.
He further said that the waived penalty and interest charges on late filing and remittance of monthly Pay As You Earn, PAYE, has equally been waived from March 1, to December 31.
The commissioner added that the government suspended the payment of N100 state development levy imposed on every taxable person.
“Also suspended is the payment and deduction of water rates from the incomes of public servants, the public sector and private individuals in the state for April and May.
“The government also waived 50 per cent charge on fees and levies collectable across the state from March 1, 2020 to January 2021.
“This gestures are opportunities provided to the general public to stimulate optimum utilisation of economic resources.
“However, in return, all beneficiaries are expected to adhere to safety guidelines and regulations on COVID-19 pandemic, as stipulated by the government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Tambuwal had before the beginning of the state executive council meeting assented to a revised 2020 Appropriation Bill amounting to over N164.39 billion.
With the development, the earlier appropriation document of over N202.35 billion was scaled down to meet up with the current realities of the state economy.
NAN
