Mrs Ajibike Oshodi-Sholola, the Head, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), on Wednesday said a company in the entertainment industry in Lagos issued a N3.32 million dud cheque for the payment of its 2011 tax audit.

Oshodi-Sholola made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

She said that the company would have been sealed off on Nov. 25 during a state-wide tax law enforcement, but was left as it issued a cheque to cover its tax liabilities.

According to her, it is a criminal offence to issue a dud cheque to anybody, particularly to the government.

Oshodi-Sholola said that the LIRS would report the company to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for necessary action.

“Unfortunately, LIRS was not credited because the cheque was not payable.

“EFCC will carry out necessary investigations and prosecute the company, in accordance with the law.

“And this will incur extra expenses for the company and may also result in double payment of the tax fee.”

Oshodi-Sholola, however, urged tax payers and corporate organisations in the state to desist from issuing fake or dud cheques to LIRS.

She said that LIRS had shut down five companies over non-remittance of N18.23 million personal income tax of their workers to the state government.

The LIRS chief said that the tax liabilities of the companies were for the period between 2010 to 2013 tax audit years.

Oshodi-Sholola said that LIRS sent about three letters to the companies, reminding them of their tax liabilities and the need to pay off the debt.

“Before LIRS proceeds to seal any company, it normally sends a demand notice letter and a letter of intention to distrain the affected company.” (NAN)

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