Delta warns taxpayers against fake tax notices, fraudulent collectors

The Delta State Internal Revenue Service has warned residents and businesses against paying money to individuals issuing fake tax demand notices or claiming to collect government revenue without authorisation.

DSIRS Chairman Solomon Ighrakpata said the agency had received reports involving fraudulent individuals presenting themselves as authorised revenue collectors.

He stressed that the state revenue service had not authorised private individuals or unauthorised agents to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes outside approved channels.

Taxpayers urged to verify payment requests

Ighrakpata advised individuals and businesses to verify every tax demand notice, assessment or payment request before making a payment.

He said taxpayers should use only officially approved government payment channels.

Anyone who receives a suspicious tax notice or encounters someone claiming to collect money on behalf of DSIRS should verify the request before releasing funds.

The agency said fake notices and unauthorised revenue collection could result in financial losses for taxpayers while also diverting revenue intended for government services.

Delta working with security agencies

DSIRS said it was working with law-enforcement agencies to identify individuals involved in impersonation, fake tax notices and fraudulent revenue collection.

The revenue service said those identified could face prosecution.

Ighrakpata said the agency would continue working to strengthen transparency and public confidence in Delta State’s tax administration