FCT-IRS Launches Taxporta To Drive Digital Tax Compliance

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has unveiled Taxporta, a new digital tax management platform designed to enable taxpayers to register, file tax returns, make payments and obtain Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs) online.

The platform was launched on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Complex, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, described the initiative as a milestone in the agency’s digital transformation drive, saying the platform would allow taxpayers to complete virtually all tax-related transactions remotely without visiting FCT-IRS offices.

He said the introduction of Taxporta reflects the Service’s commitment to deploying technology to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery and simplify tax compliance.

“Any serious institution, whether in the public or private sector, must move with the times. This is a continuation of our digital innovation process to ensure taxpayers can access our services from the comfort of their homes or offices without having to visit our offices physically,” Ango said.

According to him, Taxporta is a fully integrated self-service platform through which taxpayers can register, file tax returns, calculate tax liabilities, make payments, generate receipts and obtain Tax Clearance Certificates without requiring third-party assistance.

He explained that the platform has already been configured to reflect the provisions of the new tax laws, automatically applying all statutory reliefs and allowances once taxpayers provide their income details.

“All the allowances provided under the law have already been embedded into the system. Taxpayers simply provide their income information, while the platform computes their tax liabilities, processes payments and generates tax clearance certificates,” he added.

Ango expressed confidence that the digital platform would improve revenue collection and strengthen the agency’s capacity to surpass its annual revenue targets.

“Our objective is to maximise tax collection. We are not fixated on a specific figure. If our target is N400bn or N500bn and we eventually collect N600b, that would be a welcome outcome,” he said.

Despite the stricter provisions contained in the new tax laws, the FCT-IRS chairman stressed that the Service would continue to prioritise voluntary compliance over punitive enforcement.

“The law provides for penalties, but our first approach is always voluntary compliance. Where taxpayers have genuine reasons for delay, we are willing to grant extensions. Penalties only become necessary when there is deliberate refusal to comply,” he stated.

Ango noted that the FCT-IRS occupies a unique position as both a Federal Government agency and an institution of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, making collaboration with MDAs critical to effective tax administration.

He said the stakeholders’ engagement was organised to sensitise government institutions on the implementation of the 2025 tax reforms, obtain feedback from key stakeholders, ensure a seamless transition from the previous digital platform and eliminate incidences of multiple taxation.

He also underscored the importance of internally generated revenue to the development of the nation’s capital, noting that tax receipts remain the FCT’s primary source of funding for infrastructure and essential public services.

“The reality is that the FCT receives only one per cent of the Federal Government’s allocation from the Federation Account. Consequently, the bulk of resources available for infrastructure and development projects comes from internally generated revenue,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Henry Nwauna, described the engagement as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between government institutions and tax authorities.

“This engagement reflects the commitment of government institutions to deepen collaboration, improve mutual understanding and promote compliance with tax obligations in support of sustainable national development,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of Tax Operations (Corporate, MDAs and International Organisations), Salome Adeyemi, urged stakeholders to embrace the Taxporta platform to facilitate seamless tax registration, filing, payment and issuance of Tax Clearance Certificates.

She expressed optimism that the platform would deepen collaboration between taxpayers and the Service while enhancing revenue generation for sustainable development in the FCT.

During a technical session on the 2025 tax reforms, Tax Controller, MDA Tax Office, Fatima Abubakar, urged MDAs and taxpayers to comply fully with the provisions of the Nigerian Tax Reform Acts 2025 to avoid sanctions.

She explained that the sensitisation covered the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025 and other new tax laws governing taxpayer registration, filing of returns, tax assessments and issuance of Tax Clearance Certificates.

According to her, every taxable individual, business and government institution is required to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), adding that tax authorities now have powers to automatically generate TINs for taxable persons using their National Identification Number (NIN).

Abubakar further disclosed that taxable income under the new tax regime extends beyond salaries to include allowances and other employee benefits.

“All benefits, whether in cash or kind, are taxable because they constitute perks of office. For example, five per cent of the value of an official vehicle is taxable. Failure to file complete tax returns attracts a fine of N100,000 in the first month and N50,000 for every subsequent month of default,” she said.

She also warned that MDAs must request valid Tax Clearance Certificates from contractors before awarding contracts or risk a penalty of N5m.

Also speaking, Tax Manager at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mohammed Ali, commended the FCT-IRS for organising the engagement, saying it would strengthen transparency and boost stakeholders’ confidence in the tax administration system.

“I think it is worthwhile and very important. It will boost stakeholders’ confidence and demonstrates transparency in the discharge of the Service’s responsibilities,” he said.

The Director of ICT, Ayokanmi Ogunwumiju, later demonstrated the integrated Payment Solution Service Providers embedded in Taxporta, including the platform’s security architecture, operational efficiency and user-friendly interface.