The Lagos State Government has asked famed Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo to pay a staggering N18,640,092.00 in overdue personal income tax.
In a notification given to the movie star and seen by Peoples Gazette on Monday, the state government issued a seven-day ultimatum to Ms Ojo to pay a tax due of N7,376,000.00 for the year 2022, combined with an outstanding payment of N11,264,092.00 from the 2021 income year.
Citing the Personal Income Tax Act, Mr Sanwo-Olu-led government warned that the actress would suffer serious repercussions and would be made to pay interest on the tax if she failed to adhere to the notice’s deadline.
“You are enjoined to pay a total sum of N18,640,092 to government coffers through any of the designated banks within seven days. Failure to comply with the above directive, this office would in addition to the tax impose penalty and interest as provided for in Sections 76 & 77 of the referenced act,” the statement read.
The actress has, however, voiced her displeasure with the procedure that resulted in the astronomical tax figure imposed on her.
In an Instagram response to the fine, Ms Ojo attacked the enforcement of such astronomical personal income taxes. She questioned the process used to determine “the outrageous personal income taxes you send on a daily basis.”
Ms Ojo bemoaned that she already has to pay several taxes on her enterprises and personal property. Despite having paid her previous tax responsibilities, she now faces a sizable additional sum and a short grace period of just seven days to remit the money.
