Effect of the new Finance Act on VAT and Stamp Duty charges in Nigeria

Effect of the new Finance Act on VAT and Stamp Duty charges in Nigeria

January 31, 2020

The Finance Bill now the Finance Act 2019 has no doubt affected the VAT and stamp duty charges in Nigeria. By this new law, the Value Added Tax which was originally 5% has been increased to 7.5%. The stamp duty charges were also affected by this law, in that, the law expands the definition of receipt to cover electronic transactions. The implication of this on the stamp duty charges is that it broadens the application of stamp duties, as such; it has a potentially negative effect, and may encourage cash payments or customers making multiple transactions under N10k for products or services in order to avoid the charge.

Also, regarding Value Added Tax, the law has made provision for the Inclusion of the definition of “goods” and “services” and further clarifies when VAT should be applied to goods and services supplied in Nigeria. There has also been the N25 million threshold for taxable businesses which are required to file returns. The implication of this is that companies who do not make up to N25 Million Naira per annum are exempted from remitting VAT returns. To balance it up, the law makes an Increase in the naira penalty in the first month of payment default for VAT returns from N5, 000 to N50, 000 and N25, 000 for every month the default continues

The Finance Act is no doubt a welcome development in the Tax regime in Nigeria. As this new law is SME friendly and encourages them to thrive without the chocking effect of the multiple taxation schemes that hitherto limited their existence.

Team 618 Bees

 

 

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, no information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or professional advice from the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer. This post is protected by intellectual property law and regulations. It may however be shared using appropriate sharing tools provided that our authorship is always acknowledged and this Disclaimer Notice attached.

More Articles

Search

Connect With Us

Got any questions?

If you are having any questions, please feel free to ask.

Send us an email

Frequently Asked

  • When are Annual Returns due for filing?

    A company’s first Annual Returns are due for filing after 18 months of its inception, subsequently it should be filed annually as the name implies. The filing dates could differ for each company depending on their financial year end but must be filed not later than 42 days after its Annual General Meeting.

    The Annual Returns for Business Names is due not later than the 30th of June each year except in the year the business was registered.
  • What’s the difference between a business name and an LLC?

    • A business name is a sole proprietorship, usually owned and managed by one individual only. Legally, the sole proprietor and his business are one. It simply means an individual trading with an alias. The sole proprietor is personally liable for all business related obligations.

    • A limited liability company on the other hand is a separate business entity from the individuals that hold its shares and act as directors. Legally, it’s a separate business entity and a person on its own who can transact business, own property separate from its owners and can sue or be sued. 
  • What is a testimonium clause in an agreement?

    This is the part of the agreement where the witness attests to have witnessed the execution of the agreement.
  • Do I have to physically drop off my product sample at NAFDAC office?

    No, you can choose to have it sent to NAFDAC office
  • What is data protection?

    Data protection is a legal process of protecting sensitive data.
  • Can industrial design be protected under copy right law?

    Yes, it can be protected under copyright law as a work of Art.
  • When can I start renewal of the registration of my product(s) with NAFDAC?

    You can start renewal 6 months to the date of expiry.
  • Who can be directors in my company?

    Any two adults can be directors in a company.
  • Does a trademark search automatically reserve my trademark name?

    No, a trademark search does not automatically reserve that which is sought to be trademarked. A search ascertains whether that which is sought to be trademarked is available or violates any existing trademark.
All FAQs
Call Us Now on +234 901 719 0079 Chat on WhatsApp