IMO CRACKDOWN: 7 Hotels, Other Establishments Sealed Off Over Alleged Tax Evasion

TAX EVASION CRACKDOWN: Imo State Internal Revenue Service Seals Off 8 Establishments

In a bold move to tackle economic sabotage, the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) has sealed off eight hotels and hospitality businesses in Owerri, the state capital, over alleged deliberate tax evasion.

The affected establishments, which include Lavianto Hotel, Titanic View Hotel and Suites Ltd, Heroes Luxury Apartment, Zoey International Hotel, Benconn Hotel, Hotel Ibis Royale, Hotel Arizona Ltd, and Zeeworld Hotel, were accused of failing to remit taxes despite repeated warnings.

According to Remigius Justice Okoye, acting Chairman of the IIRS, the agency had no choice but to take enforcement action after writing to the defaulters severally. Okoye emphasized that the IIRS is committed to ensuring full compliance with tax laws and urged taxpayers to remit their taxes promptly to avoid sanctions.

The Debt Management and Enforcement Department of the IIRS carried out the sealing off, marking the beginning of a statewide exercise aimed at achieving maximum tax compliance. The IIRS warned that any establishment found evading taxes will face severe sanctions, including sealing off and prosecution.

Okoye assured the public that revenue generated from taxes will be used to fund developmental projects and improve the standard of living in Imo State, emphasizing the importance of prompt and regular tax payment to avoid inconvenience.