Anambra CSOs Seek Clarity on Tax Compliance Practices
CSOs in a group photograph with FIRS Anambra Head Tax Comptroller, Charles Meribe
By Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Community of Practice, Anambra State Chapter, has called for clearer understanding and support regarding the enabling environment for their operations.
The group, a network of registered CSOs in Nigeria, made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Awka, Anambra State.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the team lead and Sterling Committee focal person for CSOs in Anambra State, Madam Rachael Yohanna, highlighted the challenges faced by civil society groups in navigating tax obligations,particularly with the introduction of digital tools such as TaxPro Max.
According to her, “CSOs, particularly smaller and grassroots organisations, face persistent challenges in meeting tax obligations due to limited clarity, inconsistent interpretation of tax laws, and technical barriers to compliance.”
She emphasized the vital roles that CSOs play in complementing government efforts and delivering essential services. She noted that, as nonprofit entities, they are generally tax-exempt under the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA).
Yohanna called for clear guidelines regarding tax obligations, exemptions, and filing requirements.
She also advocated for simplified processes tailored to nonprofit CSOs using platforms like TaxPro Max.
She also urged FIRS to establish regular engagement channels with CSOs to ensure the fair application of tax regulations, and to develop user-friendly compliance frameworks suited to nonprofit operations.
In response, the FIRS Anambra Head Tax Comptroller, Charles Meribe, commended the CSOs for their unity and underscored the importance of tax compliance in supporting government revenue.
He assured the delegation that a dedicated desk would be created to address CSO-related matters, despite the current understaffing challenges.
However, he requested a comprehensive list of CSOs operating in the state, along with their Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), to facilitate the exploration of possible solutions.
