Niger government had approved the reduction of tax payment as part of measures to cushion the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger disclosed this during a press briefing in Minna on Thursday.

Bello, who was represented by Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said the tax reduction takes effect from June 24 to March 21, 2021.

He said the filling date of annual tax returns by all businesses and individuals have been extended to Sept. 30, while the filling of monthly PAYE returns by businesses has been granted 10 days extension beginning from the 10th to 20th of every month.

He also stated that the penalties and interests on late fillings, payments, and remittances as well as default on Tax liabilities have been reviewed downward to 5 percent for penalties and 10 per cent for interest charges.

He further said that government has granted 50 per cent reduction on all the rates as contained in the Harmonized Agricultural Produce and Livestock Fees Collection Regulation Act 2019.

Payments in four installments have been granted to all Tax payers in the Small Medium Enterprises SMEs and the Informal sector.

He assured that all the agencies responsible for collection of Tax have been notified on the development, hence anyone shortchanged should forward their complaints to the office of the SSG.

He, however, urged the public to continue to adhere strictly to all COVID-19 protocols by the state taskforce on COVID-19.

Source:- NAN