FIRS Directs Banks: Shut Down Unauthorized Tax Collection Accounts – International Edition

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has instructed banks throughout the nation to promptly recognize and shut down all tax and levy collection accounts that have not been authorized through its TaxPro Max system.

The instruction, designed to enhance openness and guarantee consistency in taxation, was outlined in an official announcement called "Directive to Close Unauthorized FIRS Tax Collection Accounts." This document was published by the FIRS Chairperson, Zacch Adedeji, and distributed to reporters on Monday via his media advisor, Dare Adekanmbi.

As stated in the notification, all tax and levy collections should now only be handled using assessments created within the TaxPro Max system.

The FIRS has cautioned that all banks involved in their collection, remittance, and reconciliation program must adhere promptly, cease using unauthorized accounts, and guarantee that only transactions originating from the TaxPro Max platform are handled.

"We rely on your collaboration to facilitate a seamless shift to this centralized system, thus helping to create a more transparent and efficient tax collection process," the agency noted.

The TaxPro Max platform, which was developed locally, streamlines essential tax processes including taxpayer registration, return submissions, payment handling, and issuing of tax clearance certifications.

It was launched to simplify tax management and back FIRS’s wider initiative for digitization.

The agency additionally encouraged taxpayers and stakeholders requiring further explanation to reach out to its Revenue Accounting and Refund Division.