Nigeria’s Fiscal Response to COVID-19: The Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill, 2020

Background:

COVID-19 has proven to be more than a disease or global pandemic, it is proving to be the harbinger of an economic crisis of global proportion. Many businesses are being shut or slowed-down and industrial production and retail sales have suffered historical drops. True to its nature, man is fighting back; from controlling the disease, to curing the sick and trying to develop vaccinations against it. In responding to the economic downturns, some countries have designed both fiscal and monetary palliatives in the nature of laws or executive orders. Nigeria is one of such countries; its House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 passed a Bill to cushion the economic effect of the global pandemic. It is styled as  “A Bill for an Act to provide for Relief on Corporate Tax Liability, Suspension of Import Duty on Selected Goods and Deferral of Residential Mortgage Obligations to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for affixed term to protect jobs and alleviate financial burden on citizens in response to the economic downturn occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 disease” (the “Bill”). Our summary of the Bill is set out below.

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6 Simple Steps to Ensure you Comply with the 2020 Personal Income Tax (PIT) Filing Returns Season in Nigeria

The Annual Individual PIT Filing Returns season is upon us and the due date which falls on March 30, 2020 is fast approaching. This in line with Section 41 of the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011, Cap P8 LFN 2004 as amended, Which states that a taxable person shall, without notice or demand, file a return of the income in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed information with the tax authority of the State in which they reside, within ninety (90) days from the commencement of every year.

This detailed piece will keep you informed and guide you on the steps to ensure you stay compliant and avoid the stiff penalties.

  1. What is PIT Filing Returns?
    PIT Returns details all income earned by taxable persons in the preceding calendar year to the Relevant Tax Authority(ies) (“RTA(s)”) of the state in which the taxable person resides. For the 2020 PIT Filing Season the income earned in the calendar year January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 is to be filed with the RTA(s).
  2. Is Filing your PIT Returns the same as Paying your PIT?
    No, it is not. Filing your PIT Returns involves providing your RTA with all relevant information on your 2019 income, and especially providing all information on the tax reliefs, deductions, exemptions and credits that you are entitled to, including PIT you might have paid.
  3. When is the deadline for Filing the 2019 PIT Returns?
    Monday, March 30, 2020. This is in line with Section 41(3) of PITA, which states that the taxable person shall file with the RTA within ninety (90) days from the commencement of every year of assessment.

5 Protective Measures Against the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

  • Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

  • Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

  • Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

  • If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.

  • Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Source: World Health Organisation

             

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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