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Getting a large sum of money into Nigeria shouldn’t come with many tax-related issues. Your recipient likely won’t need to file anything, and all you have to do is get the right forms into the IRS at the right time.
Your transfer to Nigeria likely won’t be taxed on the recipient’s end unless it qualifies as a trade. While there’s no formal definition of what constitutes a trade, it tends to fall along the lines of payment for goods or services rendered — even if it’s a one-off transaction.
Transfers that fall under the trade or business transaction categories are regulated by the Nigerian Personal Income Tax Act, also known as PITA.
The forms required to file income that falls under PITA vary based on the state where your recipient lives. They’ll need to check with their local State Board of Internal Revenue Services to find out which form applies.
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The transfers that constitute trade or business transactions need to be filed as income. A 10% penalty on the amount owed, plus interest is due if the recipient fails to file with their State Board of Internal Revenue Services.
The short answer is yes, you probably do. Three likely scenarios exist that require you to report the transfer to the IRS:
Sending a lot of money out of the country? Know what the IRS expects of you.
Nigeria doesn’t cap incoming foreign transfers. The Central Bank of Nigeria does impose a limit on outgoing transfers of $2,000.
That isn’t to say you’ll be able to send as much as you like all at once. While there aren’t legal limits, most transfer service providers set their own. To avoid limits, you’ll need to find a provider without maximums like XE.
Money can be direct deposited into a bank account under the recipient’s name or mobile wallet.
It can also be delivered via cash pickup. Outside of major cities, location may be an issue. Be sure to check the transfer service’s delivery area before hitting the cash option.
You can find out more about the best way to send money to Nigeria by checking out our guide.
Nigerian laws around taxing foreign transfers are fairly straightforward, and your recipient likely won’t have to worry about reporting it if you’re sending a gift. That doesn’t mean you’re off the hook though. Make sure you file the appropriate forms and report the transfer to the IRS if necessary.
Transfer providers come in all shapes and sizes. To find one that’s best for you, compare international money transfer services before you send.
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