Relationship between Tax Policy, Growth of SMEs and the Nigerian Economy

This research work tries to establish if any relationship exists between the growth of SMEs and the tax policy environment within which they operate. Using business sustenance and expansion as indices of growth, it analyzes responses obtained questionnaires distributed to SMEs in Zaria, North Central Nigeria. Sampling for the survey was done using the non-probability sampling method specifically by judgmental sampling. The hypothesis was tested using Spearman's Rank Correlation. Although there is a general perception that that tax is an important source of fund for development of the economy and provision of social services, the study revealed a significant negative relationship between taxes and the business' ability to sustain itself and to expand. In order to obtain a vibrant and flourishing SME sector, the tax policy needs to be appropriate such that it will not be an encumbrance to the growth of small and medium enterprises. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) form the core of majority of the world's economies. A study carried out by the Federal Office of Statistics shows that in Nigeria, small and medium enterprises make up 97% of the economy (Ariyo, 2005). Although smaller in size, they are the most important enterprises in the economy due to the fact that when all their individual effects are aggregated, they surpass that of the larger companies. The social and economic advantages of small and medium enterprises cannot be overstated. Panitchpakdi (2006) sees SMEs as a source of employment, competition, economic dynamism, and innovation which stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit and the diffusion of skills. Because they enjoy a wider geographical presence than big companies, SMEs also contribute to better income distribution. Over the years, small and medium enterprises have been an avenue for job creation and the empowerment of Nigeria's citizens providing about 50% of all jobs in Nigeria and also for local capital formation. Being highly innovative, they lead to the utilization of our natural resources which in turn translates to increasing the country's wealth through higher productivity. Small and medium scale enterprises have undoubtedly improved the standard of living of so many people especially those in the rural areas. However, the mortality rate of these small firms is very high. According to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Nigeria, 80% of SMES die before their 5 th anniversary. Among the factors responsible for these untimely close-ups are tax-related issues ranging from multiple taxation to enormous tax burdens. In many government policies, small and medium enterprises are usually viewed and treated in the same light as large corporations. However, their size and nature makes them unique. Therefore, in dealing with small and medium enterprises, these unique qualities need to be considered. In levying of taxes for these enterprises in particular, issues that need to be considered are how these tax policies can be designed to bolster the growth of SMEs and the most effective ways to administer them. The importance of SMEs as a mechanism of economic growth and development is often ignored. They are perceived as minute establishments that have minimal effect on the state of the economy. However, if a thriving environment is created for these SMEs to grow through proper regulation, the SME sector has the highest propensity to transform developing economies.