Social media is buzzing after popular TikTok creator, Peller, claimed the Lagos State Government has slapped him with a jaw-dropping ₦36 million income tax bill, a demand he describes as outrageous and undeserved.
During a lively TikTok livestream with singer Peruzzi, Peller disclosed that officials from the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) instructed him to pay the massive sum.
“Taskforce said I should pay N36 million for tax. I don’t have anything. I just came into the limelight last year,” Peller said in disbelief.
Peruzzi, surprised by the revelation, challenged Peller on why he had not been paying taxes, reminding him that it is a legal duty for every Nigerian who earns an income. While refusing to share his own exact tax figure, Peruzzi noted that he pays even more than the amount billed to Peller and urged him to clear the debt before it spirals into legal trouble.
But Peller stood his ground, insisting the amount was excessive and unfair. He alleged that the government’s interest in him only began after he showcased his lifestyle and revealed his TikTok earnings during live broadcasts.
“The government never gave me anything from my live sessions. All my income is from social media, not Nigeria,” he maintained.
Peruzzi advised him to seek an extension to pay the bill, but Peller expressed frustration at what he sees as targeted taxation against online creators flaunting their achievements.
The disclosure has since triggered heated online debates, with Nigerians split between defending digital influencers from perceived government overreach and arguing that all earners, regardless of industry, must contribute their fair share in taxes.