Tax Ombud receives 20 complaints, resolves 8

The Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr. John Nwabueze, has disclosed that the office received more than 20 genuine complaints within three months and successfully resolved eight of them within the statutory timeframe.

Nwabueze made the disclosure at a media parley in Lagos where he outlined the institution’s progress, ongoing reforms and plans to improve taxpayer access to redress.

According to him, all eight resolved cases were concluded within the statutory 14-day resolution period, with an additional seven days allowed where necessary.

He said the office has improved access to its services through the introduction of a digital complaints portal, case management system, toll-free call centre and SMS callback services.

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“These innovations have made it easier for individuals and businesses to file complaints and obtain timely resolutions,” he said.

Nwabueze also disclosed that the office has strengthened the capacity of its accountants and legal experts to handle increasingly complex tax matters, including potential disputes arising from the taxation of digital assets.

He said the office is preparing to address such complaints should they arise, while plans are underway to establish offices across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to improve access to its services at the grassroots.

The Tax Ombud said the office has also intensified engagement with professional bodies, the media, revenue authorities and other stakeholders as part of efforts to address systemic challenges within the country’s tax administration.

He identified multiple taxation, particularly at the state and local government levels, as one of the persistent issues requiring urgent attention.

“Multiple taxation is an endemic issue that we are determined to address by engaging all relevant stakeholders, including the Joint Revenue Board, state governments, and local government authorities. Through collaboration and policy engagement, we are working towards sustainable solutions,” he said.