Enugu State Internal Revenue Service recently imposed daily taxes on corpses in mortuaries, sparking controversy. According to the new law, owners of a corpse must pay N40 once the body remains unburied for 24 hours, with the amount accumulating daily. This means that if a corpse stays in the mortuary for 100 days, the mortuary is expected to pay the state N4,000.
The Enugu State government claims the tax isn’t meant to generate revenue but to discourage people from taking their deceased loved ones to mortuaries. Emmanuel Nnamani, executive chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, clarified that the tax is actually an indirect one paid by mortuary owners, not the families of the deceased. He emphasized that since its introduction, no one has been denied burial due to inability to pay.
Breakdown of the Tax:
- Daily Tax: N40 per day for unburied corpses after 24 hours
- Total Tax for 100 Days: N4,000
It’s essential to note that this tax is part of the Enugu State Mortuary Tax Law, which has been in existence for years. The law aims to encourage timely burials and reduce the number of corpses in mortuaries.
While the intention behind the tax may be understandable, its implementation has raised concerns. Critics argue that it could lead to additional financial burdens on grieving families.
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