Tax Audit and Investigation – 8 Important Facts You Need to Know as a Taxpayer

First things first, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is a Stakeholder in your Company’s Operations and at any point in time the FGN would want to ascertain if she has been receiving the right “cut” from your business operations. So, no need to fret whenever the FGN comes for an audit in as much as all necessary documentary evidence(s) are available.

It’s a stale news to say that Nigeria is currently seeking various means to diversify its revenue from oil to non-oil source which invariably has given rise to the increase in tax drive, consequently leading to an increase in the frequency of tax audits and investigation.

1. What is Tax Audit?

This is a process of examining a taxpayer’s record and documents in order to ascertain whether such taxpayer has appropriately assessed, reported and remitted its tax liability for the relevant year of assessment. Tax audit also seek to ensure that the taxpayer has fulfilled all other obligations as provided for under the relevant tax laws.

2. What is Tax Investigation?

Tax investigation can be described as an advancement from tax audit, it entails a more detailed examination by the tax authority in order to recover under charged tax in previous years due to an information/suspicion that the taxpayer might have evaded tax.

THE TAXAIDER NEWSLETTER VOL 2, ISSUE 2 (February 2020)

Earlier today I read online that 20% of the Antarctic Island’s snow melted during the course of a nine-day heat wave. Now that is some scary news if you ask me. It has been one pretty hot February and it looks as though the situation is not just restricted to Lagos and some states in Nigeria like some think. Climate change is truly upon us and the warnings of researchers and proponents of the conversation over the years are becoming more realistic every day. We can only hope it doesn’t get worse as the days go by. On a lighter mood, memes have been flying all over the place and most are hilarious to say the least; well, it might not take the heat away but at least we get to laugh through the heat.

How To Reduce Your Personal Income Tax (PIT) Liabilities: The Voluntary Pension Contribution (VPC) Option!

Personal Income Tax savings option Part 1: Voluntary Pension Contribution (VPC)

As a professional in the tax sector I’ve had quite a number of individuals share their concerns with me about the huge sum being deducted as tax from their monthly pay (Personal Income Tax). In order to address this issue, I thought to write this piece to address some of the issue and proffer solutions to the pressing complaints.

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Increase in Value Added Tax VAT, A Blessing or A Burden?

Effective February 1, we would have crossed over from the so-called ‘longest month of the year’ into the ‘shortest month of the year’. Of course, January is not just seen as the longest month of the year by virtue of its 31 days (March, May, July, August, October and December also have the same number of days) but because of how time seems to run slowly in January due to the ‘recovery process’ from the high level of expenditure occasioned by the Christmas and New Year festivities.

In view of recent economic realities in the Nigerian space, it marks a much more significant point in the year. February 1, 2020 marks the implementation date of the 7.5 percent increase in value added taxes (VAT) as stated by the Finance Minister which springs from the Finance Act, 2019 signed by the President on January 13, 2020. One of the key reasons attributed to the 50 percent increase in VAT from 5 percent to 7.5 percent was the need for government to increase the amount of revenue generated through taxes in order to fund its projected expenditure as captured in the 2020 budget. Personally, if I could increase my revenue by any legal means possible, trust me I would.

Therefore, I have no argument against the government trying to increase revenue through taxes. However, I am of the school of thought of increasing the tax net rather than increasing the rate of taxes.

From a simple economic standpoint, an increase in the VAT will lead to an increase in the price of goods and services which will further increase the inflation rate (which already stands at over 11%). The rise in inflation rate will further lead to a reduction in the consumer purchasing power as VAT is borne by the final consumer. This reduction in consumption levels will have a negative effect on the standard of living of the average Nigerian. However, in a bid to cushion the burden of the VAT increase on low-income individuals and companies, the Finance Act 2019 has extended the list of goods and services exempted from VAT to include basic food items, locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads or tampons, services rendered by microfinance banks, tuition relating to nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education. This is a positive initiative as it is a proactive measure in the Act.

In the medium or long term, the VAT increase could have a positive multiplier effect if the generated revenue is expended on capital projects which have future economic potential, job creation, increased economic output, increased food production etc. However, given the political situation and economic instability accompanied with corruption and mismanagement at various levels of government, it is not far-fetched to think that the generated revenue could be grossly mismanaged, thereby, leaving the average Nigerian to bear not only the burden of the VAT but also the economic implications of t implications of the VAT increase.

In conclusion, the implementation of the 7.5 percent increase in VAT is like a two-sided coin. If properly implemented and harnessed it could help to make funds available for developmental purposes that will accelerate economic growth. On the other hand, if mismanaged and loosely implemented it could be another one of many reforms whose potential to provide substantial economic drive is not maximized.

THE TAXAIDER NEWSLETTER VOL 2, Issue 1 (JANUARY 2020)

First Thoughts

The last time I was in these parts, it was 2019 and I feel elated having the opportunity to do this yet again in a new year. I must specially appreciate every one of you for sticking with us for the last twelve months. Thank you for keeping faith with us. You can rest assured 2020 is going to be a bigger and better year. The TaxaideR returns with Volume 2, Issue 1. Yes, we thought we would switch styles up a little and change the nomenclature. You must have also noticed the new style of our TaxThursday bulletins. Yes, we are cool like that!

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