The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools has said the multiple taxes they pay to the government are unbearable.
Multiple taxation refers to a situation where businesses are subjected to various taxes and levies imposed by different levels of government.
Over time, school owners in Lagos and across the country complained about multiple taxations. Most of them who spoke with The PUNCH said they were a huge burden on their financial resources.
Recently, Owners of Private Schools Association of Nigeria, Anambra State, also called on the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to review the “outrageous” multiple taxes and levies demanded by various government agencies from private school proprietors in the state.
Speaking to our correspondent in an interview, the national president, NAPPS, Mr Yomi Otubela, complained about the issue of multiple taxations from the Federal Government and State Governments, adding that it should be examined for possible harmonisation.
Otubela said, “Critical meetings with the education stakeholders are imperative to keep the minister abreast of the challenges within the sector. This is necessary to proffer appropriate solutions to them.
“Policy formulation and implementation must take cognisance of the inputs of various education stakeholders. Periodic reviews of policies are needed to ensure that they are meeting and achieving their objectives as expected.”
Also, the Proprietor of Platform Schools, Ipaja, Lagos, Dr Bola Obe, who complained about the government’s refusal to grant private schools special loans with low interest rates, added that the harassment by tax collectors was cruel.
“The government has not considered giving special loan facilities to private schools at a low interest rate. Another case is the issue of multiple taxation and harassment by tax collection agents. The economy is so harsh, so there is a need for some consideration in this regard because private schools are one of the highest employers of labour in the country.
The proprietor Abifab College Ikorodu, Lagos, Prince Abidemi Faboye narrated that “In fact, it is more than multiple taxations.
Taxes and levies are two different things but here in Lagos, we pay all.
“All approved schools must pay annual dues, the receipt is needed to register candidates for national exams.
He continued, “Annual due is collected by the Lagos State Ministry of Education.
“Income tax and premises permit is done by Lagos Internal Revenue, this starts from the school Proprietor to the gateman. Schools pay levies/ taxes on the signage of schools, on school fences, school buses, or advert carrying the school name.”