Premium Essay

Nigeria Tax and Fiscal Policy

In:

Submitted By ossypla
Words 6516
Pages 27
The Nigerian tax system has undergone several reforms geared at enhancing tax collection and administration with minimal enforcement cost. The recent reforms include the introduction of TIN, (unique Taxpayer’s Identification Number which became effective since February 2008), automated tax system that facilitates tracking of tax positions and issues by individual taxpayers, e-payment system which enhances smooth payment procedure and reduces the incidence of tax touts, enforcement scheme (Special Purpose Tax officers), these are special tax officers in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure strict compliance in payment of taxes. The tax authority now has autonomy to assess, collect and record tax. This enabling environment which came into being on the basis of
(Section 8(q) of FIRS Establishment Act 2007) has led to an improvement in tax administration in the country.
The Nigerian tax system has undergone significant changes in recent times. The tax laws are consistently being reviewed with the aim of repealing obsolete provisions and simplifying the main ones. Under current Nigerian law, taxation is enforced by the 3 tiers of government, i.e. federal, state, and local governments, with each having its sphere clearly spelt out in the Taxes and Levies (approved list for Collection) Decree, 1998.
Despite this improvement, there are still a number of contentious issues that require urgent attention and among them is the issue of the appropriate tax authority to administer several taxes. The crisis between Lagos State and the federal government on the tax jurisdiction of VAT in the state is still a contentious issue that has been taken to the courts. Other states like Ogun, Oyo and Benue have joined Lagos state, while states like Abia, have gone against this. Also, there is the issue of multiple taxes administered by all the three tiers of government
which

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Mbaln 611

...2 countries – Nigeria and United States by: * Evaluating how their business environment is influenced by government economic policy which may be identified through the application of economic theory. * Critically evaluating the local economic business environment measured against the choice of a comparative international economic and business system. (Pictorial techniques may be used which are appropriate to illustrate and justify the evaluation, e.g. Graphs, charts, economic curve diagrams, etc.) (700 – 1,000 words) Question 2 * Critical evaluation of measures used by governments and central banks to manage the economies of their countries. * By critically evaluating, using convincing arguments in support of the measures used to reduce, minimise or alleviate economic difficulties many countries face. (Examples should be used in the submission to illustrate the justified view) (1,100 – 1,500 words) 1. BUSINESS includes all doings linked with production, trade, banking, coverage, finance, energy, advertising, packaging etc. ENVIRONMENT refers to all external forces, which have comportment on the functioning of business. The environment includes factors outside the firm which can lead to opportunities for or threats to the firm. There is close relationship between business and its economic environment. Business obtains all its needed inputs from the economic environment and it absorbs the output of business units. ECONOMIC POLICY is the term used...

Words: 3351 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Public Finance

...Public Finance Methods in Nigeria The Federal Republic of Nigeria is comprised of 36 states located in West Africa geographically bound by the Republic of Niger to the north, the Gulf of Guinea (on the Atlantic Ocean) to the south, the Republic of Cameroon and Chad on the east and Republic of Benin on the west. Since gaining full independence from the British in 1960, Nigeria has gone from a Parliamentary system of government (modeled after the British Parliament), the Biafran Civil War, and numerous dictatorships to the current Democratic system of government. Widely described as the most populous country in Africa (accounting for over half of West Africa’s population alone[i]), the US State Department estimated in 2010 a population of approximately 152 million people of 250 Ethnic groups with the largest ethnic groups comprising of Hausa-Fulani (north), Igbo (south-east), Yoruba (south-west) and Kanuri (north). The religions practiced in Nigeria are Islam, Christianity and indigenous African traditional worship. The Hausa’s are from the northern part of the country and are predominantly Muslims, the Yoruba are from the south west and are predominately an even mix of Christians and Muslims, the Igbos are from the southeast and are predominately Christians. The official language of Nigeria is English in addition to other local dialects. Nigeria’s commercial capital (and former political capital), Lagos, is located in the southwestern part of the country while the political...

Words: 2474 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Appraisal of Income Tax Collection and Administration

...THE POLITICS OF REVENUE ALLOCATION AND RESOURCE CONTROL IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR FEDERAL STABILITY by Emmanuel O. Ojo Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, Nigeria Email: eojo12000@yahoo.com Abstract: No doubt, one of the perennial problems which has not only defied all past attempts at permanent solution, but has also evoked high emotions on the part of all concerned is the issue of equitable revenue allocation in Nigeria. Thus, the thrust of this paper is an in-depth analysis of the politics of revenue allocation cum resource control. The paper takes a cursory look at virtually all previous attempts at arriving at equitable formula. The paper however, infers that in a deeply plural and divided society like Nigeria a polity that ‘robs Peter to pay Paul’ may eventually be both counter-productive and dysfunctional. The clarion call however is a federal system with fiscal policy that can imbue in the citizenry sense of justice, equity and fairness visà- vis revenue allocation. To do otherwise according to the findings of this paper is to jeopardize all efforts at national cohesion and integration. Keywords: Federalism, fiscal federalism, revenue, resource, Grants-in-aid Federal Governance ISSN 1923-6158 www.federalgovernance.ca Forum of Federations 325 Dalhousie Street, Suite 700 Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7G2 Canada ♥ Ojo About Federal Governance Federal Governance is an online graduate journal on theory and politics of federalism and multilevel governance. Its mandate...

Words: 8708 - Pages: 35

Premium Essay

Mmonetary and Fiscal Policy in Support of Inclusive Growth

...The Monetary & Fiscal Policies in Support of Economic Transformation and Inclusive Growth in Nigeria Abubakar M. G 1. Department of Economics, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina 2. Central Bank of Nigeria, Katsina. Phone: 08032838408 and 08023563415 Central BanEmail: gazayks@yahoo.com and magarzali@cenbank.org 1.1 Abstract There is a plethora of literature on Monetary/Fiscal Policies - economic development nexus. This has prompted renewed interest in inclusive Growth. This probably explains why governments and policy makers are now tinkering with ways to situate and develop a permanent solution to the widened gap in broad range of financial services which of course are necessary for inclusive growth. Financial inclusion otherwise known as “inclusive growth” can be seen as the delivery of financial services at affordable costs to sections of disadvantaged and low-income segments of society.  Due to incessant desire to incorporate disadvantaged segment of the society into financial net, both monetary and fiscal authorities have embarked upon a robust strategy toward addressing the gap. The former (monetary authority) had set out a visible road map necessary for direct effect on savings, investment, rate of interest, pension and general form of financial services. While the later (fiscal authority) have been making a remarkable effort toward achieving sustained economic growth especially in rural areas, this would translate accelerated and friendly society necessary...

Words: 2761 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Oil Rents

...countries, the prospects of exporting barrels of oil can be very exciting for fiscal revenues.  The effect of oil production on fiscal revenues is largely due to the world oil price.  In the last year and a half the price of oil has plummeted from $104/barrel to about $41/barrel today.  This sharp decline in the price of oil has certainly hurt fiscal revenues of oil producing countries.  It is also very likely that these countries do not enforce taxation.  On the other hand, due to the volatile nature of oil prices, it is also rational to assume that oil-producing countries may enforce stringent tax codes.  Stringent tax codes may be enforced to relieve budgetary pressures that may be as a result of lower oil prices.  The purpose of this paper is to determine whether oil revenues have an effect on taxation. Understanding the effect of oil revenues on taxation is very important in terms of real world application.  The information obtained from the analysis between the two variables will enable large producing oil nations to determine the kind of fiscal policy to undertake.  It will help nations in planning budgets accordingly, while also helping governments determine whether there needs to be a change in tax rates to meet budgetary ambitions.  For example, if there is negative effect between the oil revenues and taxation in a period where oil prices are low, a country may be inclined to increase tax rates. Literature Review Drawing from different academic resources, there is...

Words: 1680 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Inflation

...Inflation – Impacts On The Economic Growth Of Nigeria By DoubleGist | Published: June 5, 2013 Inflation – Impacts  On The Economic Growth Of Nigeria Inflation – Impacts  On The Economic Growth Of Nigeria A macroeconomics problem facing Nigeria, and the most disturbing, is the problem of inflation. As a result of its growing rate, Nigerian government is concerned about its impacts on her economic growth. To place an order for the Complete Project Material, pay N5,000 to GTBank (Guaranty Trust Bank) Account Name – Chudi-Oji Chukwuka Account No – 0044157183 Then text the name of the Project topic, email address and your names to 08060565721. Many authors have written on Impacts of inflation on Nigerian economy, but the authors have different views because inflation analysis, nevertheless, one thing common is that all the authors agree that inflation has Impact on Nigerian economic growth. Samuelson (1973), defines inflation as “a general rising prices for breeds, cars, haircut, rising wages, rent etc. Onwukwe (2003), on his side defines inflation as “a significant and sustained rise in the general price level or a declining value of the monetary units. The problem created by the rising prices of goods and services has become two difficult for government to solve. During inflationary period, fixed amounts of money buy less quantity of goods and services. The real value of money is drastically reduced i.e the purchasing power of consumers are reduced. The Impact of rapid...

Words: 4162 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Housing in Nigeria

...greatly depends on the type of accommodation he has been provided with. “a decently housed citizen is a more productive individual, a good housing scheme complimented by high environmental standard equates with less expense on public health, and less adverse social effect produces a higher gross national income figure for a country” . This is why it is generally accepted that good housing is a social index of a good government especially in developing countries like Nigeria should especially accept the provision of housing as a major social responsibility. Housing is a set of durable assets, which accounts for a high proportion of a country’s wealth and on which households spend a substantial part of their income. It is for these reasons that housing has become a regular feature in economic, social and political debates often with highly charged emotional contents(Agbola, 1998). All governments in Nigeria since independence highlighted housing as a major priority. Unfortunately for over 47 years of its independence, Nigeria is yet to develop a vibrant mortgage market and houses continue to be provided through the tortuous traditional method of buying land and building over some years, which could be an individual's entire life time. In many cases such buildings are left...

Words: 3860 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Appraisal-of-Income-Tax-Collection-and-Administration-in-Nigeria

...Abstract ……………………………………………………… List of tables ………………………………………………… Table of content …………………………………………….. CHAPTER ONE Introduction 1.1 Background of the study ……………………………… 1.2 Statement of problems ………………………………… 1.3 Research Questions / Hypothesis ……………………… 1.4 Hypothesis …………………………………………….. 1.5 Purpose of the study …………………………………… 1.6 Significance of the study ……………………………… 1.7 Scope of the study …………………………………….. CHAPTER TWO Review of literatures 2.1 Fundamental concept of Nigeria Taxation ……………. 2.1.1 History of Nigeria Taxation …………………………… 2.1.2 Laws governing Income tax in Nigeria …..…………… 2.1.3 Importance of Taxation …………………………………. 2.1.4 Categories of Taxes …………………………………….. 2.2 Basis of tax Imposition (major provisions) ……………… 2.2.1 A review of major assessment provision ………………… 2.2.2 Relevant tax authorities ………………………………….. 2.3 Problems of tax collection ……………………………….. 2.3.1 In adequate qualified man power, poor motivation and corruption ……………………………………………… 2.3.2 Poor attitude to tax generation and usage………………… 2.3.3 Lack of management audit and unrealistic budgeting……. CHAPTER THREE Research methodology 3.1 Design of the study ………………………………………. 3.2 Area of the study ………………………………………… 3.3 Population ……………………………………………….. 3.4 Sample size ……………………………………………… 3.5 Sampling techniques ……………………………………. 3.6 Instrument of data collection ……………………………. 3.7 Validity and reliability of instrument …………………… 3.8 Techniques for data analysis ……………………………. CHAPTER FOUR ...

Words: 2288 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Tax in Nigeria

...SECTION ONE 1.1 Background to the study. The Nigeria tax system is basically structured as a tool for revenue generation. This is a legacy from the pre-independence government based on 1948 British tax laws and has been mainly static since enhancement. The history of direct taxation in Nigeria dates back to 1904 when the system of personal tax was introduced in Northern Nigeria by Lord Lugard. The Nature Revenue Ordinance was introduced in 1917 also in Northern Nigeria and extended to the East in 1928. The three regions, as Nigeria was previously constituted, had various legislations for direct and indirect personal taxes prior to independence in 1960. It was not until 1961 that a uniform Tax Law come into force for the whole federation known as the Income Tax Management Act (ITMA) of 1961. This was based on the recommendations of the Raiseman Fiscal Commission of 1958 which was embodied in Nigeria Constitution) Order in Council, 1960. The ITMA has been effectively repealed and replaced by the Personal Income Tax Act generally referred as Decree No. 104 of 1993. The Personal Income Tax Act No.104 (PITA) regulates Personal Income Taxation in Nigeria. Personal income tax is a tax that is imposed on individuals who are either in employment or running their own small businesses under a business name or partnership. Liability to personal income tax in Nigeria does not depend on the domicile or nationality of the tax payer. Profits arising from a trade, business, profession or vocation...

Words: 1625 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

A Critical Assessment on Nigerian Federalism: Path to a True Federal System

...COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) POTISKUM CHAPTER HELD AT I.B.B HALL F.C.E (T) POTISKUM, YOBE STATE 31ST OCTOBER, 2011-4TH NOVEMBER 2011   ABSTRACT  It is no gain saying that Nigeria is one of those countries that operates a federal system of government along side with the western world. Given the territorially delineated cleavages abounding in Nigeria and the historical legacy of division among ethnic groups, regions, and sections, the federal imperative was so fundamental that even the military government- characteristically Unitarian, hierarchical, and centralist- attached importance to the continuation of a federal system of government. But it must be said here that, while the system benefit most western countries, the reverse is the case for Nigeria considering the high level of political instability, ethnic crisis, and ethno/religious crisis among others The reason is not far fetch; Nigeria is operating a federal system in an awkward manner and this has make frictions and clashes possible which are currently posing a threat to her political development. To this end, this paper seeks to analyze Nigerian federalism from history, reasons why she opted for the system, the effects of the system on her political development and a plausible way forward to a true federal arrangement    INTRODUCTION Nigeria is a country of extraordinary diversity and as such, one of extraordinary complexities. These complexities are a reflection of the avalanche of ethno-cultural and religious groups...

Words: 6625 - Pages: 27

Premium Essay

The Effect of Value Added Tax on Economic Growth in Nigeria

...Background of the Study Tax is an instrument to regulate economic growth and development across every economy. As a result, governments across the world impose one form of tax or the other. The main purpose of imposing tax has been for the government concerned to use the proceeds of the taxation to run the government and to provide essential services. Before a country considers efficient and effective way of administering tax system; it must possess a clear picture of the scope of its tax system as well as considering the tax rate and tax base over time. The quantity and quality of revenue required by tax administrators are to a large extent determined by the type of tax system which is introduced. A nation’s tax goals are not achieved by designing a tax system which is fair, any fair system which is not administered as planned becomes inequitable. Thus, a good tax system is capable of financing the necessary level of public spending in the most efficient and equitable way possible. It should also (1) raise enough revenue to finance essential expenditures without recourses to excessive public sector borrowing, (2) raise the revenue in ways that are equitable; that minimized its disincentive effects on economic activities, (3) do so in ways that do not deviate substantially from international norms. (Tanzi and Zee,2000). It is being noted that the aims and objectives of taxation differ from one country to the other. However, an essential common feature of tax has been the dynamic...

Words: 11591 - Pages: 47

Premium Essay

Impact of Taxes in Social Life

...How tax strategies impact on the Social Economic Problem? We are going to highlight some social issues and whether the tax strategy is effective in dealing with the issues. The issues discussed include the issue of urbanisation on vacant land, child poverty, inflation and unemployment. Issue 1: Tax Penalty: Eliminate Land Speculation and Vacant Land to avoid Poverty The urbanisation level of 56.25% in South Africa has recorded the world highest level in 2001. The “Apartheid City was a political economy of space which was based on two policies, i.e. racially-based spatial planning and development for some at the expense of others”. Cities were purposely designed to push poor black citizens to the margins of the city. Thus, the black population were materially distanced from advantages normally associated with city life”. With the abolition of Apartheid in 1994, the new government made a commitment to redress these imbalances and inequality and to create cities that are more equal, inclusionary, productive and sustainable. Although 1.6 million houses have been provided since 1994, they have tended to enforce traditional apartheid planning where the poor are still located on the periphery, far removed from employment and economic opportunities. This has resulted in increased urban sprawl and de-densification. Furthermore, the subsidy on public transport was more than double that spent on housing subsidy but the house prices has increased by an average of 20% per year. Land...

Words: 3299 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Esg Report of Skyebank Plc

...with international banking licence from the CBN. Its primary business focus is in Corporate, Commercial and Retail business segments. The Bank maintains an asset size of over NGN1 trillion, led by a management team with a clear strategic focus and a well diversified banking experience. The Bank has a nation wide distribution platform. It operates in over 240 business offices across Nigeria with 2,555 employees, 597 ATMs and 7212 PoS Skye Bank is an independent banking institution with a broadly diversified shareholding Base, the bank has close to 500,000 shareholders, none owning more than 5% of total Capital. PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS Financial Performance Skye bank’s gross earnings fell from 127.730bn in 2012 to 127,340bn in 2013 representing a decrease of 0.3%.Although net operating income grew from 69.845bn to 81.257bn representing a 16% increase. Net interest income grew 39% from 44.502bn to 61.698bn, while non-interest income (net fees,commission and other income) fell 18% from 26.698bn to 22.026bn. The bank’s profit before tax grew by 4% from 16.510bn to 17.136bn. The profit after tax was 16.023bn in 2013 to 12.644bn in 2012. To arrive at this result, the bank grew its total assets by 4% from N1.073.828 Thrillion in 2012 to N1.116.636 Thrillion 2013. Performance Ratios Skye bank’s interest margin reveal a stable focus on traditional activities of financial intermediation. About 80% of the gross earnings of the bank has been strongly accounted for by interest earnings...

Words: 4862 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

The Effect of External Public Debt in Developing Countries on Economic Growth - an Empirical Study on Argentina

...Abstract This paper would discuss the effect of external debt on economic growth with four areas, the effect on private local investment, foreign direct investment, government expenditure and export growth. Three theoretical models are adopted, namely Debt Overhang Theory, Liquidity Constraint Hypothesis and Crowding-out Effect respectively. Two policy implications on debt relief and debt restructuring are analyzed. And finally, the paper will include the discussion on the necessary tradeoff with inflation and contractionary fiscal budgeting after debt servicing. KEY Words: Heavily In-debt Poor Countries (HIPC), External Debt/Foreign Debt) Sustainability, Debt-GNI Ratio, Debt-Export Ratio, Debt Service Ratio Word count (excluding table of content, tables and reference): 2974 Topic: The Effect of External Public Debt in Developing Countries on Economic Growth - An Empirical Study on Argentina Abstract P.1 1. Introduction P.3 1.1 Literature Review P.4 1.2 Structure and Magnitude of External Debt of Argentina P.4 1.3 Theoretical Relationship between External Debt and Economic Growth P.6 1.4 Research Question(s) and Framework P.7 2. Data Collection and Empirical Analysis P.7 2.1 The effect of external public debt on:...

Words: 3688 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

The Impact of Tax Morale on Tax Payers Compliance Level

...and developed nations. Tax refers to a “compulsory levy by a public authority for which nothing is received directly in return” (James and Nobes, 1992). According to Nightingale (2001), “a tax is compulsory contribution, imposed by government, and while taxpayers may receive nothing identifiable in return for their contribution, they nevertheless have the benefit of living in a relatively educated, healthy and safe society”. She further explains that taxation is part of the price to be paid for an organized society and identified six reasons for taxation: provision of public goods, redistribution of income and wealth, promotion of social and economic welfare, economic stability and harmonization and regulation. In other words, a tax is an imposed levy by the government against the income, profits, property, wealth and consumption of individuals and corporate organizations to enable government obtain the required revenue to provide basic amenities, security and well-being of the citizens. First detailed information about taxation can be found in Ancient Egypt (Webber and Wildavsky, 1986). The Pharaohs appointed tax collectors (called scribes) and paid them high salaries to reduce the incentives to enrich themselves. Furthermore, scribes working in the field were controlled by a group of special scribes from head office. Today, corruption of the tax agency is still a problem, especially in developing countries According to the traditional model of tax compliance by Allingham...

Words: 33032 - Pages: 133