The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned members of the business community and private citizens against using forged or fake Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) and Audit Reports to apply for contracts.
The ICPC in a statement in Abuja reiterated its commitment to bringing to book public officials who abuse their office in accordance with the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
The Commission had commenced investigation into the procurement of Tax Clearance Certificates and audit reports by several companies to ensure that those bidding for contracts are not tax evaders.
Subsequent to that, ICPC is now prosecuting tax- related cases in courts especially those cutting corners to win contracts.
Section 25 sub-section (1) (a) empowers ICPC to investigate and prosecute anybody (corporate or individual) for making statement which is false or intended to mislead a public official in course of discharging his duties.
The section prescribes two years imprisonment for making a false statement which is “intended to mislead or its untrue in any material particular” to public officials.
Consequently, Tax Assessors, Corporate and private citizens have been advised to be wary of procuring and presenting forged or corruptly-assessed Tax Clearance Certificates and Audit Reports in order not to run foul of the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.