Guide to Business in Nigeria

Taxation In Nigeria, all persons in employment, individuals in business, non residents who derive income from Nigeria as well as companies that operate in Nigeria are liable to pay tax. Some taxes are payable to the Federal Government (and administered by Federal Inland Revenue Service), some are payable to the State Governments and some to Local Governments. For a complete listing of which tax is payable to which level (or tier) of Government, please see Taxes and Levies (Approved list for collection) Act. No 21 of 1998 There is usually a Body of Appeal Commissioners that is a court of first instance to handle Tax appeal cases. There is also a Value Added Tax Tribunal The different taxes are as listed below Name of Tax Law authoring the tax Brief description of the tax a b c Capital Gains Tax Capital Gains Tax Act. Chapter 42. LFN 1990 A 10% tax imposed on Capital Gains arising from a sale, exchange or other disposition of properties known as chargeable assets. Companies Income Tax Companies Income Tax Act Chapter 60. LFN 1990 A tax chargeable on all companies (other than Companies engaged in petroleum operations as defined under the PPTA) registered in Nigeria. Education Tax Education Tax Act No 7 of 1993 A tax chargeable on all companies registered in Nigeria at 2% of chargeable profits as contribution to the Education Tax Fund. Personal Income Tax Personal Income Tax Act No 104 of 1993 A tax payable by all individuals and registered businesses and partnerships except those registered under Part A of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. Petroleum Profits Tax Petroleum Profits Tax Act Chapter 354. LFN 1990 Tax charged at 85% of the chargeable income for companies engaged in petroleum operations as specified under the Act. Stamp Duties Stamp Duties Act Chapter 411. LFN 1990 Stamp Duty is Chargeable according to a scale fixed by the Joint Tax Board. Value Added Tax Value Added Tax Act No 102 of 1993 A tax payable by the consumer at 5% of the net value added based on eligible transactions once consumed. All registered businesses are expected to register and have a VAT registration certificate, and boldly display their VAT registration number on all invoices. Withholding Tax This is not really a tax. It is an advance payment of tax (at 10%) to which individuals and organizations are entitled to demand a withholding tax credit note.