The Anambra State Government has introduced the Voluntary Assets, Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS), giving individuals, businesses and organisations a limited window to regularise their tax records without facing the full penalties for non-compliance.
The tax amnesty programme, which runs from July 6 to September 5, 2026, is designed to encourage voluntary tax compliance by allowing eligible taxpayers to disclose previously undeclared income, assets and tax liabilities.
Announcing the initiative, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, said the programme is open to unregistered taxpayers, registered taxpayers with additional income or assets to declare, and those who have underreported taxable income or underpaid taxes and levies.
According to him, the scheme also covers taxpayers currently undergoing tax audits or investigations, those involved in disputes with the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), as well as recipients of Best of Judgment (BOJ) tax assessments who failed to respond within the stipulated period.
Benefits for participants
Mefor said eligible participants who make full and honest disclosures will enjoy a 100 per cent waiver of penalties, 100 per cent waiver of accrued interest, immunity from prosecution on disclosed tax liabilities, protection from tax audits for the declared periods and access to flexible payment arrangements subject to approval by AIRS.
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The Executive Chairman of AIRS, Ikeazor Okonkwo, urged individuals with undeclared income or assets, business owners, companies, partnerships, sole proprietors and taxpayers with outstanding liabilities to take advantage of the opportunity.
He warned that the revenue service would commence full enforcement against defaulting taxpayers once the scheme expires on September 5, 2026, urging eligible taxpayers to regularise their tax status before the deadline.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.