C’River IRS Takes High Net Worth Individuals, Others to Court Over N11billion Outstanding Tax Liabilities

C’River IRS Takes High Net Worth Individuals, Others to Court Over N11billion Outstanding Tax Liabilities

The Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) has commenced court proceedings against several tax defaulters as part of the intensive drive to recover outstanding tax liabilities exceeding ₦11 billion. The action, led by the Service’s Legal Services and Enforcement Department, targets High Networth Individuals and Corporate entities who have ignored several notices sent to them by the tax authority and failed to settle their statutory tax obligations due to the State.

The cases span multiple tax categories including Personal Income Tax (PIT), Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), Withholding Tax (WHT), Direct Assessment, Business Premises Levy, Development Levy, Rental Income Tax, and other statutory payments.

This strategic move is aimed at strengthening voluntary compliance, protecting the integrity of the State’s tax system and ensuring that revenues due to the State are recovered by the CRIRS.

The Chairman of the Service Prince Edwin Okon in his remarks, stresses that since these persons (individuals/corporates) have decided not to respond to all tax assesments served on them, the Service will apply the relevant sections of the Tax laws including the 2025 Tax Reform Act to recover all revenue that is due to the State.

The Chairman further urges all High Net Worth Individuals and other taxpayers to regularize their tax status and fulfill their statutory obligations promptly to avoid similar sanctions. He also reiterates the Service’s commitment to promoting a fair and transparent tax system that supports sustainable development across the State.