The Anambra State Government has introduced the Voluntary Assets, Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS), a tax amnesty programme designed to encourage individuals, businesses and organisations to voluntarily regularise their tax obligations without incurring the full penalties associated with previous non-compliance.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, on Thursday, July 9, the scheme commenced on July 6 and will run until September 5, 2026. It offers a one-time opportunity for taxpayers with outstanding tax liabilities to declare their income and assets and settle their obligations under favourable terms.
The statement explained that the scheme is open to unregistered taxpayers, individuals and organisations with undeclared income, assets or liabilities, taxpayers who failed to fully disclose taxable income or assets, those who underpaid or under-remitted taxes and levies, as well as persons and organisations currently undergoing tax audits or investigations.
Also eligible are parties involved in tax disputes with the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) and recipients of Best of Judgment (BOJ) assessments who failed to respond within the statutory period.
Under the scheme, eligible participants who make full and truthful disclosures will receive a 100 per cent waiver of penalties and accrued interest, immunity from prosecution on disclosed tax liabilities, exemption from tax audits for the periods covered by their declarations, and flexible payment arrangements subject to the approval of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service.
The state government urged business owners, companies, partnerships, sole proprietors, taxpayers with outstanding liabilities, unregistered taxpayers and individuals seeking to correct previous tax declarations to take advantage of the limited-time initiative.
Interested taxpayers are advised to visit any office of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service or access the VAIDS portal using their Anambra State Identification Number (ASIN) to register, obtain guidance and submit their declarations.
The Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Ikeazor Okonkwo, warned that full enforcement against defaulting taxpayers will begin immediately after the scheme expires on September 5, 2026. He urged all eligible taxpayers to utilise the opportunity to regularise their tax status before the deadline.
