Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Government has made it clear that it has not made any form of increment to the normal tax rates paid by traders annually in the state.
The clarification was made by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Dr Obinna Ngonadi against the backdrop of information making the rounds that the state government has multiplied taxation for traders in all markets.
In a communique issued and signed by the Ministry, Thursday, the Commissioner disclosed that traders in government-owned markets pay N12,200 while those in privately owned markets pay N7,400 normal annual payments.
A breakdown of revenue collections by government-owned markets, include Stallage fees – N4,800, Development levy -N 2000, Sanitation levy – N2400, Traders tax N3000, totaling N12,200.
Other privately owned markets are expected to pay: Development levy – N2000, Sanitation levy – N2400, Traders tax – N3000, Totaling 7400.
The Commissioner explained that the N2000 that is collected from each trader is for biometric market enumeration and registration which covers trader’s personal tax identification card (N1300), and a sticker (N700) for each shop.
He said the one-off payment for both the sticker and identification card enables tax enforcers to digitally ascertain the payment status of each trader by simply scanning its code with a device.
It is to enable government to keep track of defaulters without resorting to crude options.
The Commissioner therefore encouraged “Ndi Anambra to continue to be law abiding, and to disregard the fake news and information peddled around by mischief makers and enemies of our dear state.”
