By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Taxpayers in the Federal Capital Territory will no longer need to visit tax offices to register, file returns, make payments or obtain Tax Clearance Certificates following the launch of Taxporta, a new digital tax administration platform by the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS).
The platform, unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Abuja, is designed to simplify tax processes, improve voluntary compliance and align tax administration with Nigeria’s 2025 tax reforms.
Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, said the initiative represents a major step in the agency’s digital transformation, enabling taxpayers to complete virtually all tax-related transactions online.
According to him, Taxporta allows users to register, file tax returns, calculate liabilities, make payments, generate receipts and obtain Tax Clearance Certificates through a single self-service platform.
Ango explained that the system has been configured to automatically apply statutory tax reliefs and allowances provided under the new tax laws once taxpayers input their income details.
He said the platform is expected to improve tax compliance, enhance revenue collection and reduce the need for physical visits to FCT-IRS offices.
While noting that the 2025 tax laws prescribe sanctions for default, Ango stressed that the Service would continue to prioritise voluntary compliance, granting extensions to taxpayers with genuine reasons for delays before applying penalties.
He also highlighted the importance of internally generated revenue to the development of the Federal Capital Territory, explaining that tax revenue remains the primary source of funding for infrastructure and public services.
During the engagement, tax officials sensitised participants on the provisions of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025 and other new tax laws, reminding MDAs and taxpayers of their obligations under the new regime.
Tax Controller, MDA Tax Office, Fatima Abubakar, said all taxable individuals, businesses and government institutions are required to obtain Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs), adding that the tax authority can now automatically generate TINs using the National Identification Number (NIN).
She also warned that failure to file tax returns attracts financial penalties, while MDAs that award contracts without requesting valid Tax Clearance Certificates from contractors risk fines of up to ₦5 million.
