The national president of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Mrs. Bosede Florence Ikhanoba, emphasized that paying taxes is a responsibility that citizens must fulfill.
She also said that tax payment is based on an individual’s income level, with different rates applying to individuals and businesses.
Ikhanoba made these remarks during the SWIT National Schools debate in Abuja, which featured Senior Secondary schools from Plateau, Lagos, Bayelsa, and Cross River states.
SWIT is an association of women involved in tax practice and members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).
Ikhanoba also highlighted that the objective of the tax debate was to enhance public knowledge about taxation and engage young people through their participation in schools across the country.
She stated: “It is essential to understand that every citizen has a responsibility to pay taxes. Tax payment is based on your income level, and businesses have specific rates they must pay. Additionally, there are treasury rates for certain individuals.
“It is not a one-size-fits-all situation when it comes to tax payment; it varies depending on your income. Therefore, those who are employed pay taxes based on their salary. You contribute accordingly to what you earn.
“So, suggesting that people should not pay taxes due to economic hardships is not acceptable. It is our civic responsibility to pay taxes as it contributes to economic growth.
“Through tax revenue, the government obtains resources to finance infrastructure and other developmental projects. This also enables us to hold the government accountable if they fail to meet their obligations.”
