Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), has announced a significant improvement in the state’s tax system aimed at eliminating multiple taxation for businesses. The introduction of a single yearly unified tax payment system using an e-ticketing solution allows business owners in the informal sector to pay their taxes once a year, streamlining the process and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Nnamani emphasized that the e-ticket system consolidates payments across various revenue-generating ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). "Enugu State has the most friendly tax environment," he stated, highlighting that once an informal sector business pays through the e-ticket, they are no longer approached for additional tax payments.
He elaborated, "For instance, in all the markets in Enugu State, you pay once a year, and nobody disturbs you again in terms of revenue. It has made Enugu a friendly tax environment, allowing people to know what they owe, pay it, and focus on their businesses."
The e-ticket system not only simplifies tax payments but also distributes the collected revenue to relevant agencies automatically, fostering a supportive environment for business growth.
Nnamani further explained that a similar approach is applied to the formal sector through the use of a Consolidated Demand Notice. This notice consolidates various fees, including Land Use Charges and ESWAMA bills, into one comprehensive billing statement. Business owners can opt to pay these fees monthly, quarterly, or annually, easing the financial burden and promoting economic activity.
Nnamani concluded by stressing the importance of creating a conducive environment for businesses, stating, "If businesses are redundant, tax generation would be redundant.