Delta Warns Taxpayers Against Fake Tax Notices, Fraudulent Collectors

The Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) has warned taxpayers against paying money to individuals issuing fake tax demand notices or collecting revenue illegally in the name of the state government.

The Chairman of the service, Mr Solomon Ighrakpata, raised the alarm in a statement on Tuesday, saying the activities of fraudsters could cause financial losses to taxpayers and revenue leakages to the state.

Ighrakpata said the DSIRS had not authorised any individual or agent to issue tax demand notices or collect taxes on its behalf outside established and approved channels.

He urged taxpayers and businesses to verify the authenticity of tax demand notices, assessments and payment requests before making payments.

The chairman advised members of the public to use only officially approved government payment channels and report suspicious demands or individuals claiming to be officials of the service.

He said the DSIRS was working with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute persons involved in the issuance of fake tax notices, impersonation and fraudulent revenue collection.

Ighrakpata warned that such activities could undermine public confidence in the state's tax administration system and divert funds meant for government projects and public services.

He assured taxpayers that the service would continue to safeguard the integrity of the state's revenue collection system while promoting transparency and accountability in tax administration.