The Federal Inland Revenue Service has announced the suspension of tax exemption certificates for all categories of taxpayers, including pioneer status companies, non-governmental organisations, and businesses in free trade zones.

In a public notice, the agency said the move is aimed at promoting transparency and ensuring compliance with current tax regulations.

“The issuance of Tax Exemption Certificates has been discontinued,” the statement read.

“Consequently, no further Tax Exemption Certificates will be issued.”

The FIRS clarified that all previously issued tax exemption certificates will remain valid until their stated expiry dates.

However, it emphasized that no renewals will be granted once those certificates expire.

The agency cautioned that, moving forward, all claims for tax benefits or exemptions must strictly align with relevant laws and adhere to procedures approved by the FIRS.

“Any attempt to forge, alter, or misrepresent exemption status will attract strict penalties prescribed by the laws,” the tax authority said.

The FIRS reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a fair and transparent tax system, urging all affected stakeholders to comply with the revised procedures and meet their legal obligations.

FIRS added that it remains committed to building a fair and transparent tax system, and called on all affected stakeholders to align with the revised procedures and legal obligations.