The increase in the tax avoidance and tax evasion among the taxpayers has become a subject of discourse among the tax authorities and other stakeholders across the globe. Tax evasion and tax avoidance, a problem which seems to have defied solution, had been deviled the tax system right from colonial times. While some had blamed the situation on tax authorities for not living up to expectation with regards to tax administration, others attribute it to the unpatriotic attitude of taxpayer. In view of the above, this paper examines the strategy to close tax gaps created by tax avoidance and tax evasion. Contents analysis research design was adopted by reviewing the available literature in the field of this study. It was discovered that Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme, effective communication of tax benefits to the taxpayers enhance voluntary compliance with payment of tax by taxpayer. Equitable distribution of amenities without using sentiment ,religion, tribe among other things will also increase tax revenue while ,transparency and accountability, consistent updates to the taxpayer’s registry, equitable distribution of income and use electronic channels for simple transactions were also identified as part of strategies to close the gap created by tax avoidance and tax evasion.
Citation: Olufemi F. Oladejo (2021) Strategy to close tax gaps created by tax avoidance and tax evasion in Nigeria: an overview, European Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance Research, Vol.9, No. 7, pp.55-63
Keywords: Nigeria voluntary compliance, Tax Evasion, Taxpayer, Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme, equitable distribution of income, tax administration, tax avoidance, tax revenue taxpayers’ registry
