Presumptive Tax Explained in Plain Language
Presumptive tax is one of the most misunderstood — and potentially most hazardous — aspects of the Nigerian tax system for small businesses.
Many SMEs only encounter it after something has gone wrong.
This article explains what presumptive tax is, why it exists, and why SMEs should actively avoid being placed under it.
What Is Presumptive Tax?
Presumptive tax is a method where the tax authority estimates your tax liability, rather than calculating it based on your actual records.
This usually happens when:
- a business does not file tax returns
- records are missing or unreliable
- income cannot be clearly verified
In simple terms:
If you do not tell the tax authority what you earned, they will guess.
How Presumptive Tax Is Calculated
Under presumptive taxation, authorities may base your tax on:
- bank inflows
- industry averages
- transaction volume
- visible lifestyle indicators
Actual business expenses are often:
- ignored, or
- only partially recognised
This almost always results in higher tax assessments than reality.
Why SMEs Are Especially Vulnerable
SMEs are more likely to be placed under presumptive tax because:
- many operate informally
- record-keeping is inconsistent
- personal and business finances are mixed
- filings are skipped when tax is assumed to be zero
Ironically, many SMEs that qualify for 0% income tax still end up paying money under presumptive assessments.
The Hidden Costs of Presumptive Tax
Once an SME is placed under presumptive tax:
- assessments become harder to challenge
- penalties and interest accumulate
- compliance discussions become reactive
- trust with authorities deteriorates
Clearing presumptive assessments often costs more than proper compliance would have.
How Presumptive Tax Undermines SME Protections
SME benefits under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 depend on your ability to prove:
- turnover levels
- expense structure
- small company status
Presumptive tax removes that conversation entirely.
Instead of asking “What did you earn?”, the system assumes “We know better.”
How SMEs Can Avoid Presumptive Tax
Avoiding presumptive tax is straightforward:
- file tax returns consistently
- keep basic income and expense records
- separate personal and business accounts
- respond to tax correspondence promptly
You do not need complex accounting — just consistency.
Monthly Visibility vs Annual Panic
Most presumptive assessments arise not from wrongdoing, but from:
- long periods of silence
- sudden visibility through bank data
- no filings to explain activity
Regular, calm compliance prevents this escalation.
Why MyFinbuk Focuses on Preventing Presumptive Tax
At MyFinbuk, presumptive tax is treated as a failure state — not a starting point.
Our systems are designed to:
- keep SMEs filing-ready
- maintain clear financial records
- prevent enforcement-led estimates
The safest tax position is the one you explain yourself.
Key Takeaway
- Presumptive tax is an estimate, not a favour
- It usually increases tax burden
- SMEs with 0% tax are still vulnerable
- Filing and records are your protection
When you stay visible on your terms, the system works in your favour.