Oyogist.com has learned that the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) on Monday resumed sealing of companies and hospitality firms over unpaid consumption taxes, closing up 16 firms during tax law enforcement.
According to LIRS Director of Legal Services,Mr. Seyi Alade, the enforcement had resolved to wield the stick on defaulters who insist on shortchanging the state government.
He noted that LIRS suspended for some time shutting of corporate organisations and hospitality firms over unpaid taxes.
According to Alade, the affected companies failed to meet up with March 31 deadline.
He said, “Now, the service has resumed sealing of firms, particularly the hospitality firms; it is committed to continuing the exercise until full compliance to tax payment and remittance are achieved.
”Alade said the firms sealed were restaurants, hotels and guest houses.
He listed the sealed companies to include Café Trance, Maple Cottage, Imperial Chinese Cuisine, Queens Park Event Centre, Axor Suites, New World Inn, Inspiro Galaria, Grace Garden Event, Cristabol Place, and Blue Moon Hotel.Alade said that the others included Kamal’s Crib, Citi View Hotel, 7th Heaven and Infinity Platinum Bar and Restaurant.
He said the tax liabilities of the affected firms covered from 2013 to 2020.
“Before LIRS embarks on sealing, it must send two letters to the management of the affected firm, reminding it of tax liabilities.
“Both the demand notice and letter of intention to distrain were sent to the management of the hospitality firms, but they failed to act,” Alade said.