Principles of Taxation in Nigeria
RGeneral Principles of Taxation
Fundamental Principles in Taxation
Taxation Taxation is the inherent power of the sovereign, exercised through the legislature, to impose burdens upon subjects and objects within its jurisdiction for the purpose of raising revenues to carry out the legitimate objects of government. It is also defined as the act of levying a tax, i.e. the process or means by which the sovereign, through its law-making body, raises income to defray the necessary expenses of government. It is a method of apportioning the cost of government among those who, in some measure, are privileged to enjoy its benefits and must therefore bear its burdens. Taxes Taxes are the enforced proportional contributions from persons and property levied by the law-making body of the State by virtue of its sovereignty for the support of the government and all public needs. Essential elements of a tax 1. It is an enforced contribution. 2. It is generally payable in money. 3. It is proportionate in character. 4. It is levied on persons, property, or the exercise of a right or privilege. 5. It is levied by the State which has jurisdiction over the subject or object of taxation. 6. It is levied by the law-making body of the State. 7. It is levied for public purpose or purposes.
Purposes of taxation 1. Revenue or fiscal: The primary purpose of taxation on the part of the government is to provide funds or property with which to promote the general welfare and the protection of its citizens and to enable it to finance its multifarious activities. 2. Non-revenue or regulatory: Taxation may also be employed for purposes of regulation or control. a) Imposition of tariffs on imported goods to protect local industries. b) The adoption of progressively higher tax rates to
Fundamental Principles in Taxation
Taxation Taxation is the inherent power of the sovereign, exercised through the legislature, to impose burdens upon subjects and objects within its jurisdiction for the purpose of raising revenues to carry out the legitimate objects of government. It is also defined as the act of levying a tax, i.e. the process or means by which the sovereign, through its law-making body, raises income to defray the necessary expenses of government. It is a method of apportioning the cost of government among those who, in some measure, are privileged to enjoy its benefits and must therefore bear its burdens. Taxes Taxes are the enforced proportional contributions from persons and property levied by the law-making body of the State by virtue of its sovereignty for the support of the government and all public needs. Essential elements of a tax 1. It is an enforced contribution. 2. It is generally payable in money. 3. It is proportionate in character. 4. It is levied on persons, property, or the exercise of a right or privilege. 5. It is levied by the State which has jurisdiction over the subject or object of taxation. 6. It is levied by the law-making body of the State. 7. It is levied for public purpose or purposes.
Purposes of taxation 1. Revenue or fiscal: The primary purpose of taxation on the part of the government is to provide funds or property with which to promote the general welfare and the protection of its citizens and to enable it to finance its multifarious activities. 2. Non-revenue or regulatory: Taxation may also be employed for purposes of regulation or control. a) Imposition of tariffs on imported goods to protect local industries. b) The adoption of progressively higher tax rates to