In a bold move to tackle tax evasion, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has sealed off four premises in Abuja, including a hotel, a school, and two business premises.
Led by Mr. Festus Tsavsar, acting Director of Legal Services at FCT-IRS, the enforcement team took action against the premises for contravening FCT tax laws by failing to file annual returns despite numerous notices and a court summons.
Deo Gratias International School in Games Village, Kaura, was among the premises sealed off for persistent refusal to comply with tax regulations. Despite multiple notifications, the school management failed to file their tax returns, and even attempted to evade tax payments by changing their name to DGIS College.
“This is a clear case of tax evasion, which is a criminal offense,” said Tsavsar, expressing concern over the school’s actions.
The team also sealed off Residency Hotels at No. 4, Port Harcourt Crescent, Area II, Garki, for similar tax evasion offenses. Additionally, Rural Urban Homes Ltd in Utako and two business premises, Trevari International Company and Phenomenon International Company, located in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, were sealed off for non-compliance with tax regulations
Tsavsar warned the affected business owners against attempting to unseal the premises without a court order, stating that doing so would be a criminal offense. “They will be prosecuted in line with tax laws and face a six-month jail term and fine upon conviction,” he added.
The FCT-IRS has vowed to go after all tax defaulting companies and individuals, and has advised taxpayers to comply with existing tax laws, pay their taxes, and file their annual returns to avoid similar action.”
