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• Recommends tax exemption for women in the low-income sector
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
A recent research study by the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) has revealed significant gender disparities in tax policies and administration in Kaduna State’s informal sector.
The study carried out in partnership with Christian Aid Nigeria (CAID) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), was launched at the Planning and Budget Commission, Kaduna, yesterday, February 13, 2025.
Briefing newsmen shortly after the launch of the document, TJ&GP Coordinator in the state, Mr Simon Olawale, said the launch of a groundbreaking handbook on Gender Analysis of Tax Policies and Administration in the Informal Sector of Kaduna State ex-rayed the need for robust gender inclusivity in tax planning, collection and utilisation.
According to the study, 99.3 percent of respondents had never received formal tax training while only seven percent of women-owned businesses have benefited from tax incentives, compared to 15 percent of male-owned enterprises.
Also, only 38 percent of women earn between N20,000 and N50,000 per month, with minimal disposable income for taxation and business expansion.
The study further revealed that 80 percent of transactions in the informal sector are conducted in cash, thereby increasing the risk of financial mismanagement and exposure to fraudulent tax practices.
To address these disparities, the researchers strongly recommended expanding gender-responsive tax incentives, such as tax exemptions for women in low-profit sectors.
They also recommended simplifying tax processes and strengthening education, including visual tax guides in local languages to ensure inclusivity.
Enhancing taxpayer protection and grievance redress mechanisms, including an anonymous digital platform for reporting tax harassment was also recommended.
The collaborating organisations further called for the promotion of financial inclusion and digital tax payment solutions, such as mobile-based tax payments, among others.
They urged policymakers, tax administrators, and stakeholders to take immediate steps to address these challenges and create a more inclusive and gender-responsive tax system.
