Ondo State introduces entertainment tax on weddings, burials, social events

The Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) has announced a new entertainment tax targeting social events across the state, including weddings, burials, naming ceremonies, and birthday celebrations.

According to the recently released tariff schedule, individual event organisers are expected to pay between N20,000 and N25,000, while corporate events will be taxed at N50,000 per event.

The move has sparked widespread debate among residents and Nigerians nationwide, with many questioning the appropriateness of taxing personal social ceremonies. Critics argue that imposing such levies may increase the financial burden on families and event organisers, while proponents maintain that the tax will generate additional revenue for state development.

READ ALSO: Court jails Ondo ‘Baby Factory’ operators 14 years, orders forfeiture of cars, houses

Speaking on the new tax, Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, a tax policy analyst, said: “While governments need to expand their revenue base, taxing personal ceremonies like weddings and birthdays raises concerns about fairness and the economic impact on ordinary citizens. There needs to be clear communication on how these funds will be utilised.”

Event planners in Ondo State have also expressed concerns, noting that additional costs may be passed on to clients, potentially affecting attendance and overall participation in social events.

The ODIRS has urged residents and organisers to comply with the new tax directive, warning that failure to pay could attract penalties under the state’s tax laws.

As the policy takes effect, residents and stakeholders are closely watching how the entertainment tax will impact social events, the local economy, and public acceptance of state taxation measures.