Federal Inland Revenue Services, Tax Systems and National Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the contributions of FIRS as one of the regulatory bodies to national economic development in Nigeria. The issue of harsh policies which becomes a noticeable threat to manufacturers (main tax payers) for relocating to neighbouring countries coupled with unfriendly tax policies approved by federal government and its attendants’ effects on the economy becomes the focus of the study It employs regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between FIRS’ tax policies to national development for the period of 12yrs (2011 - 2021). Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP) was used as substitute for national development while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Company Income Tax (CIT) and Custom and Excise Duties (CED) were employed as proxy for contributions of FIRS to tax policies. The findings of this study revealed that all explanatory variables have significant relationships with dependent variable respectively; PPT- 0.0383, CIT - 0.000 and CED - 0.000. The study concluded that there is significant relationship between FIRS’ tax policies to national development in Nigeria. Therefore, recommended that, since policies are meant for the well-being of citizens and progress of the economy, views and objects of tax payers must be well- integrated in the formulation of those policies and the need for constant feedback and review to suit the economy. Also, there is need for a more pragmatic FIRS institution approach to the control and management of evasion, tax avoidance and other illicit practices in the tax system, in order to take advantages of positive effect of taxes on the National Economic Development.