The Cross River State Government has drawn a firm line under cash-based tax payments as it commenced full implementation of the Tax Reform Act from January 1, a move designed to modernise revenue administration and improve service delivery.
The Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS) announced the development in Calabar on Wednesday, signalling a decisive shift in how government revenues are assessed, collected and accounted for.
According to the Executive Chairman of the Service, Dr Edwin Okon, the new regime is crafted to streamline taxes and levies, curb the hydra-headed problem of multiple taxation and tighten the bolts of accountability across the revenue chain.
He explained that under the reform, cash collections have been completely outlawed, with taxpayers directed to make payments strictly through approved digital platforms or by depositing funds into officially designated government revenue accounts.
Okon issued a stern caution to residents and businesses, stressing that dealings outside approved channels would no longer be tolerated.
“Taxpayers are warned against paying cash or transferring funds into personal or corporate accounts of revenue agents, consultants or tax officials.
“All revenue consultants are to suspend issuance of new tax assessments, pending further directives, in compliance with the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025,” he said.
The CRIRS boss was quick to douse fears of excessive taxation, noting that the reform was not designed to wield the tax hammer punitively but to create a fair, transparent and efficient system that works for both government and citizens.
He encouraged taxpayers to embrace the changes without prejudice, assuring them that adequate support mechanisms have been put in place to ease the transition.
Okon added that help desks, workshops and digital resources have been rolled out to guide individuals and businesses as the state turns a new page in its revenue architecture.
He maintained that the reform would deepen transparency, block leakages and ultimately lay a stronger foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous Cross River State.
