Why Makinde Rejected Tax Bill For Barbers, Hairdressers

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has rejected a tax bill passed by the state House of Assembly, saying he cannot imposed additional sufferings on the people of the state in view of the current economic hardship in the country.

The state helmsman stated this while flagging off the Samuel Akintola Airport which was recently upgraded to international standard  by the state government.

According to the governor, signing the Presumptive Tax Bill recently passed by the House of Assembly will lead to more sufferings for the people, which he’s not prepared to be part of.

“Anything that will put money in the pocket of the people is what I am interested in, so they can use it where it is needed most. At this time, I’m not interested in any policy that will empty their pockets. I’ll continue to fight poverty and not fight the poor,” Makinde said.

The tax bill, according to the details, seeks to impose tax on individuals and entities whose income cannot be ascertained due to lack of financial records.

They include mostly artisans such as welders, Barbers, hairdressers, vulganisers, amongst others.

Under the section of the law titled: “Oyo State Negotiated Presumptive Tax Rate,” owners of adult wear boutiques are liable to pay a minimum of N10,000 yearly and maximum of N50,000; barbers to pay from N3,000 to N10,000; artists and sign writers to pay from N5,000 to N50,000; bicycle repairers to pay between N2,000 and N10,000; bookshop/stationary stores to pay a minimum of N10,000 and maximum of N20,000; bricklayers to pay from N10,000 to N30,000; sellers of building materials to pay from N15,000 to N50,000; furniture makers to pay N25,000 to N40,000; carpenters are to pay between N10,000 and N35,000; gas station operators are to pay between N25,000 and N45,000; while photographers to pay between N2,000 and N5,000.

Also, plumbers are to pay between N2,000 and N10,000; welders to pay from N5,000 to N20,000; fruit sellers to pay from N1,000 to N5000; sallers/repairers of handset to pay between N2,500 and N4,000; shoemakers to pay between N500 and N2,000; laundry shop owners to pay from N1,000 to N2,500; block makers to pay between N15,000 and N25,000; vulcanisers to pay between N2,500 and N7,500; mechanic/welder/rewire are to pay between N1,500 and N5,000 and plank sellers to pay between N2,500 and N10,000.

The bill stipulates that a taxable person who fails to make the payment of the tax shall be liable to pay the sum and a penalty equal to 10 per cent per annum, while those who maintain up-to-date records and file returns within the stipulated period shall be granted a rebate of two per cent of the tax payable.

The bill stated further that persons subject to presumptive tax must file returns on or before 90 days from the commencement of each year.

Governor Makinde, you will recall, is among prominent  Nigerians who have criticised the federal government for imposing hardship on Nigerians through its various economic policies. For instance, when the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration signed the law commemorating the new National Anthem Governor Makinde reacted saying what the country needs at the moment, is for the government to focus on policies that will end hardship.