VAIDS: Experts Warn against Non-Declaration

Tax experts have warned against non-compliance with the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), a tax amnesty programme of the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Speaking at a one-day VAIDS workshop for professionals in tax advisory services in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the experts warned that those who fail to fully declare their assets and incomes at the expiration of the window offered by the scheme on 31 March risk prosecution among other penalties.

Among the speakers was the President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Chief Cyril Ede, who warned that there will be no hiding place for tax avoiders.

Ede, according to a statement, advised eligible taxpayers to take advantage of the time-limited opportunity provided by VAIDS, explaining that measures have been instituted to fish out avoiders easily.

“No more hiding place for tax evaders. The time is up for everybody to key in. The taxman now knows more about your (tax) status without coming to interrogate you. Tax evaders would be found out and may face prosecution.

“As you go about shopping, selling or doing bank transfers, the information is showing to the authorities. People should realise this and comply, particularly through this window of VAIDS.

“Government has no choice, but to pursue compliance with new vigour. Oil is losing relevance and we need more revenue to grow as a nation,” he said. Another speaker at the workshop, Mr. Yomi Adegbenro, explained that while individuals and organisations that comply with VAIDS will be rewarded by non-imposition of interests on previously unpaid taxes, those who fail to comply will face tax audits and be made to pay interests on unpaid taxes as well as be liable to prosecution.

In his remark, the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Babatunde Fowler, said VAIDS would equip tax advisors to adequately serve their various clients.