FIRS Clarifies Position on Financial Directive To Nigerians

By John Okoh

 

Following the apologies tendered by the Federal Government to Nigerians concerning misinformation on the order to complete certification form by Reportable Persons, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has clarified the position.

According to the tax agency, which had yesterday said financial institutions account holders in Nigeria should complete the self certification form, pursuant to the Income Tax (Common Reporting Standard), CRS, Regulations 2019 which is for the fulfilment of Automatic Exchange of Information Requirements,

“The Self Certification form is basically to be administered on Reportable persons holding accounts in Financial institutions that are regarded as “Reportable Financial Institutions” under the CRS. Reportable persons are often non-residents and other persons who have residence for tax purposes in more than one jurisdiction or Country.

“Financial Institutions are expected to administer the Self Certification form on such account holders when information at its disposal indicates that the Account holder is a person resident for tax purpose in more than one jurisdiction. The information that indicates an account holder is a resident for tax purposes in more than one jurisdiction,is expected to be available to Financial Institutions during account opening processes for the KYC and AML purpose”

The ABC of this jargon is that the order is not meant for all accounts holders; it is for both Nigerians and foreigners, corporate or person who are either abroad or relocated as provided for in an international agreement that allows exchange of Tax information between signee countries.