Exploring the impact of tax policies on small and medium scale enterprises’ (SMEs) performance in Nigerian Economy

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are very significant to the economic growth of many societies and countries at large. Contrastingly, SMEs have been contributing little to Nigeria Gross Domestic Products (GDP). This study aimed at exploring the effects of tax policies on the performance of SMEs. The Unicist Theory of business growth was used to underpin the study, the theory analysed the implications that multiple tax could have on the growth of SMEs in Nigeria. Survey method with close ended structured questionnaire was administered to 110 SMEs owners in three local government areas in Lagos State. Collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics while formulated hypothesis was tested with Chi square method. Findings revealed that various Governmental policies on taxes significantly affect the performance of SMEs in Lagos State. The paper implicates a possible diversity for tax policies that will favour SMEs operator to make meaningful contributions to the economy. The study therefore recommends among other things that Government should design and implement the most effective ways of administering various tax policies that can enhance the growth of SMEs, while tax collection should be well defined to avoid multiple taxations by the three tiers of government. The study also recommends that taxes should be levied according to the growth of the business; sales, size and profit; with consideration to enterprises’ ability to pay taxes regularly.