The Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) has taken significant steps to regulate tax collection in the state by banning unauthorized collection activities. This directive was announced by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Israel Egbunefu, in a public notice issued in Port Harcourt. The aim of this ban is to consolidate revenue administration and ensure that tax regulations are adhered to by all stakeholders involved in tax collection. RIRS is determined to safeguard against financial misconduct and inefficiencies related to tax collection.

As part of this initiative, Egbunefu has emphasized the importance of compliance among taxpayers and urged all taxable residents in Rivers State to submit their Annual Individual Income Tax Returns by the statutory deadline of March 31, 2026. This deadline aligns with the Nigeria Tax Administration Act of 2025, thus reinforcing legal obligations of citizens towards tax payments. The encouragement for early filing reflects RIRS’s goal to improve overall tax compliance in the state.

Additionally, the Executive Chairman has warned the public and business sector against making payments to unauthorized individuals or groups for tax purposes. He underscored that all government revenues must be processed through RIRS-approved platforms following appropriate assessments. This measure not only protects citizens from fraud but also aims to enhance the integrity of tax collection within Rivers State, ensuring that all revenues are accounted for and invested back into the state’s development programs.