Anambra introduces tax waivers for voluntary assets declaration income earners

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State Government has introduced what it called the Voluntary Assets Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS).

The scheme, which runs from July 6, 2026, to September 5, 2026, offers a one-time chance for taxpayers to fix their tax issues without facing the full penalties for not complying.

Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, said it is available to everyone, including individuals, businesses, and other organisations that have unpaid taxes or fees.

Specifically, the scheme covers those who have not registered as taxable persons, registered taxpayers with additional income, assets or liabilities to disclose, those who have failed to fully declare taxable income and assets, as well as those who have underpaid or under-remitted taxes or levies.

It also includes those who are currently under tax audit or investigation, those involved in a tax dispute with the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) and those who have been issued Best of Judgement (BOJ) assessments and failed to respond within the statutory timeliness.

According to Mefor, eligible taxpayers who make full and honest disclosure will enjoy 100 percent waiver of penalties, 100 percent waiver of accrued interest, immunity from prosecution for disclosed tax liabilities, immunity from tax audit for the periods covered by the declaration and flexible payment arrangements, subject to the approval of the AIRS.

Already, the Executive Chairman of AIRS, Ikeazor Okonkwo, has invited people with undeclared income or assets, business owners, companies, partnerships, sole proprietors, taxpayers who owe taxes, unregistered taxpayers, and those who want to fix past tax declarations to join the scheme.

He explained that AIRS will commence full enforcement against defaulting taxpayers upon the expiration of the scheme on 5th September, 2026.