Tax Office Prepares for Digital Asset Tax Issues, Aims for Public Awareness

The Office of the Tax Ombud is working to handle disputes from digital asset taxes. They want to make Nigeria's tax system fairer and clearer.

John Nwabueze, the Tax Ombud and Chief Executive, shared this news on Thursday during a media event in Lagos. He talked about what the office has done and what it plans to do in the future.

Nwabueze explained that the office has trained more accountants and legal experts to deal with tricky tax situations, including those related to digital assets.

He also mentioned plans to open offices in all six geopolitical zones. This will help more taxpayers access their services easily.

Mr Nwabueze said that the Office of the Tax Ombud has made it easier for people to reach out to them. They have set up a digital complaints portal, a case management system, a toll-free call centre, and SMS callback services. This makes it simple for individuals and businesses to file complaints and get quick answers.

He noted that in the first three months of operation, the office got over 20 genuine complaints, most related to state revenue services. "Within three months, the Office received over 20 genuine complaints, most of them involving state revenue services. Of these, eight have been successfully resolved, all within the statutory 14-day resolution period, with provision for an additional seven days where necessary," Mr Nwabueze said.

The Tax Ombud is also working to engage with professional bodies, the media, revenue authorities, and other important groups. They are preparing a public awareness campaign to tackle issues like multiple taxation.

Nwabueze reiterated, "The Office has expanded the capacity of its skilled accountants and legal experts to handle complex tax matters, including disputes relating to digital asset taxation, should such cases arise. We are also enhancing accessibility at the grassroots through plans to establish offices across all six geopolitical zones."

He pointed out that multiple taxation, especially at the state and local government levels, is a big problem. The federal government is teaming up with other groups, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments, and local government authorities, to find lasting solutions.

Mr Nwabueze said the Office of the Tax Ombud was set up to mediate fairly between taxpayers and revenue authorities. They aim to encourage people to comply with tax laws and build trust in Nigeria's tax system. "Multiple taxation is an endemic issue that we are determined to address by engaging all relevant stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments, and local government authorities. Through collaboration and policy engagement, we are working towards sustainable solutions," the Tax Ombud stated.

He asked for help in raising public awareness about their services. Many taxpayers still do not know their rights or the ways to resolve tax disputes.