Anambra Launches Two Month Tax Amnesty, Offers 100% Penalty Waiver to Defaulters
By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State Government has unveiled a two month tax amnesty programme that grants taxpayers a 100 per cent waiver of penalties and accrued interest, in a move aimed at boosting voluntary tax compliance and expanding the state’s revenue base.
The initiative, known as the Voluntary Assets Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS), commenced on July 6 and will run until September 5, 2026, offering individuals, businesses and organisations with outstanding tax liabilities a final opportunity to regularise their tax records without facing the full consequences of previous non compliance.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor.
According to the statement, the scheme targets unregistered taxpayers, individuals and businesses that failed to fully declare their income or assets, those who underpaid or under remitted taxes and levies, taxpayers currently undergoing audit or investigation, parties involved in tax disputes with the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), and recipients of Best of Judgement assessments who failed to respond within the statutory period.
The government said participants who make full and honest disclosures within the amnesty period will enjoy a complete waiver of penalties and accumulated interest, immunity from prosecution on disclosed tax liabilities, exemption from tax audits for the affected periods, as well as flexible payment arrangements subject to the approval of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service.
The Soludo administration urged business owners, companies, partnerships, sole proprietors and all taxpayers with outstanding liabilities to seize the limited window to comply with tax obligations before enforcement begins.
Taxpayers are expected 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 and submit their declarations.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Ikeazor Okonkwo, FCA, FCTI, has warned that full enforcement measures against tax defaulters will begin immediately after the September 5 deadline.
He urged all eligible taxpayers to take advantage of the amnesty programme, describing it as a rare opportunity to regularise their tax status without the burden of penalties or legal action.
The introduction of VAIDS is part of the Anambra State Government’s broader strategy to promote voluntary compliance, strengthen internally generated revenue and build a transparent and equitable tax system that supports sustainable development.
