Question Tag: Significant Economic Presence

The rapid growth in information and communication technology in Nigeria has brought with it boundless opportunities and changes in the way business activities are conducted. A significant number of transactions in Nigeria, in recent times, are consummated using mobile devices and online payments. In the same vein, the online platforms (mostly operated by international private entities) are perceived by various governments in developing countries (Nigeria inclusive) as undermining the economic interests of their host countries through non-payment of taxes, despite their significant economic presence.

In light of the above, the Finance Act 2019 provides for the treatment of digital and other service providers concerning the significant economic presence of a foreign entity. This provision was followed up with the issuance of Companies Income Tax (Significant Economic Presence) Order 2020 by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

You have been contacted by a foreign online outfit with interest in mobile networking and consultancy, TWITTY Incorporation, California, USA, through its official partner in Nigeria, MAAbioro Partners, to explain issues on the significant economic presence of a foreign entity, deemed to be operating in Nigeria.

Required:

As a tax consultant to TWITTY Incorporation, draft a report explaining the following areas:

a. The objectives of the relevant provisions of Finance Act 2019 and Companies Income Tax (Significant Economic Presence) Order 2020 concerning the significant economic presence of a foreign entity. (3 Marks)
b. Conditions for the determination of significant economic presence for digital activities. (5 Marks)
c. Determination of significant economic presence for technical and consultancy services. (2 Marks)
d. Activities exempted from significant economic presence in Nigeria. (3 Marks)
e. The tax implications of the Order 2020 on the activities of TWITTY Incorporation. (2 Marks)