EFFECT OF VOLUNTARY ASSETS AND INCOME DECLARATION SCHEME (VAIDS) ON TAX COMPLIANCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Voluntary disclosure programme, an integral part of a compliance strategy is an opportunity offered by a tax administration to allow previously non-compliant taxpayers to correct their tax affairs under laid down terms. This will probably explain the rationale behind the recently Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS). VAIDS is a form of tax amnesty, it is a scheme that is expected to bring lots of benefits to Nigeria as a country on one hand. Taxation serves as a stimulus to economic growth and development of any nations but the Nigeria case is different because the revenue derived from taxes has been grossly understated as a result of several challenges. It is as a result of this that the study examines the effect of VAIDS on tax compliance in Nigeria. The study adopts the Survey Design approach. Through Purposive Sampling Procedures, data were collected by means of questionnaire and analyzed with Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Simple Regression. Findings revealed that VAIDS has positive and significant relationship with tax compliance with co-efficient value of VAIDS below the standard at (0.05) and being (0.000) levels of significance. The study concluded that VAIDS can be used to increase tax compliance due to its significant effect. The study thereby recommends that tax payers should work together with the relevant tax authorities to use this amnesty being offered to regularize their tax positions, and to take advantage of the incentives and benefits offered by the government.