The use of technology to enhance the effectiveness of tax administrations, expand taxpayer services and enhance tax compliance continues to attract increasing attention both in developed and developing countries.

Particularly, governments worldwide have increasingly been demanding substantially more effective use of modern technology systems for the delivery of services to citizens.

In its effort to leverage on e-payment and multi-modal payment portals, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has unveiled an automated invoicing system and technology device, Electronic Revenue Assurance system (ERA).

The new system was unveiled recently at a stakeholders’ meeting held with hotel and business owners in the hospitality and tourism sector of Lagos State, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Held under the theme, Fiscalization of hotel occupancy and restaurant consumption tax law, the session highlighted the benefit of improving profit, sustenance of cash flow and reduction in revenue leakage for hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, bars and event centers owners in Lagos State through the Electronic Revenue Assurance system (ERA) device.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode, reiterated his commitment to make Lagos State one of the largest economy and smartest cities in the world.

Ambode, who was represented by his deputy Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, enjoined residents and business owners in Lagos state to key into the new ERA by promptly paying their consumption taxes through the newly introduced technology

‘’Funds are required to enable government to actualize its objective of the provision of adequate infrastructure and services for the residents of expected of a mega city. Prompt payment of taxes is the way in which government is able to finance its activities.”
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Addressing the gathering, Chairman of LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subair noted that hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, fast food outlets, bars, event centers among others serve as agents of the government for the purpose of remittance of 5 per cent consumption tax collected from customers through the LIRS new technology.

Subair informed that the commencement of the new system takes effect immediately, as LIRS officers will be visiting hospitality places to install the software and train their staff on the use of the new device.

The Electronic Revenue Assurance System (ERA) is a software application/device that issues invoices and receipts to consumers bearing a unique QR code. The receipt will also contain detailing of the items and/or services ordered and an embedded automation of Consumption Tax remittance in real time.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade noted that the hotel occupancy and restaurant consumption tax Law is not a new law, adding, “the device is to ensure efficiency and compliance of remittance of consumption tax from the owners of Hotel, Restaurants, Nightclub and Events centres in the state.”

He assured that the protection of consumers and collecting agents’ details are confidential and will be used only for tax purposes.

Reacting to the newly introduced device, the President of Lagos hoteliers association, Mr. Adekunle Akilo noted that sensitisation and training process for effective utilisation of the device should be continuous to help business owners and consumers in the hospitality industry fully embrace the technology.

On her part, President of Association of fast food confectioners of Nigeria, Mrs. Kehinde Kamson stated, “We will support Lagos state government on compliance and 100 per cent remittance. However, the government, through LIRS should create a level playing ground for all levels of business in the hospitality industry by initiating this device across the board especially the informal sector or unstructured businesses.”

As part of incentive for consumption taxpayers, the LIRS is determined to give back to loyal consumption taxpayers, who request for their receipts generated from the ERA System for an opportunity to participate in a draw and win attractive prizes.

The LIRS urges consumers and customers of hospitality places in Lagos State to always demand for the ERA system receipts in the overall interest and benefits of all.
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