Experts Slam Poor Tax Guidance, Demand Clear Government Communication

Growing concerns are emerging among fiscal analysts and compliance professionals over inadequate public guidance surrounding mandatory tax filing, with experts warning that poor access to clear information could weaken compliance and public trust in the nation’s revenue system.

Stakeholders argue that while enforcement of tax obligations is intensifying, the corresponding dissemination of practical, easy-to-understand guidance has lagged behind. Many individuals and small business operators, they note, remain unsure about filing procedures, eligibility thresholds, documentation requirements, and statutory deadlines—creating confusion that may expose taxpayers to avoidable penalties and administrative disputes.

Reacting to the development, Celestine Ukpong, described the current situation as a structural communication gap between policymakers and citizens. He explained that effective taxation depends not only on enforcement but also on clarity, accessibility, and trust.

Ukpong warned that when taxpayers lack adequate information, compliance becomes inconsistent and public confidence in fiscal governance declines. According to him, governments that prioritise transparent tax education typically achieve stronger voluntary compliance and more sustainable revenue growth.

Similarly, Peter Adebayo stressed that unresolved grey areas within tax regulations continue to produce multiple interpretations among taxpayers and even some compliance officers. He noted that inconsistent understanding of filing obligations increases the likelihood of errors, disputes, and enforcement challenges.

Adebayo called for simplified tax guidelines, harmonised communication across revenue agencies, and wider deployment of user-friendly digital filing platforms supported by sustained public enlightenment campaigns. Such measures, he said, would reduce compliance friction while strengthening accountability and transparency in the fiscal system.

Policy observers maintain that as governments rely more heavily on internally generated revenue to fund infrastructure and social services, closing the information gap around tax obligations has become an urgent national priority rather than a routine administrative task.

They emphasise that improving taxpayer education, clarifying grey areas in regulation, and ensuring equal access to accurate information will be critical to building a fair, efficient, and trusted tax environment capable of supporting long-term economic stability.

Economists and tax professionals urge government transparency and clearer public guidance as mandatory tax filing expands, warning that information gaps could weaken compliance and trust in the fiscal system.