VAT applies only to bank service charges, not transfers — NRS

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has dismissed claims that Value Added Tax (VAT) is being charged directly on bank transfers, clarifying that the 7.5 per cent tax applies only to bank service charges and not to the actual funds transferred by customers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the revenue agency described recent media reports suggesting the introduction of VAT on electronic transfers and other banking transactions as inaccurate and misleading.

The statement, signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the NRS Chairman, Zaccheus Adedeji, explained that VAT has long applied to banking services under Nigeria’s existing tax framework and was not introduced by the Nigeria Tax Act.

“The Nigeria Tax Act did not introduce VAT on banking charges, nor did it impose any new tax obligation on customers in this regard,” the statement said.

According to the NRS, claims that VAT is now being charged on electronic money transfers, banking fees, or commissions are unfounded.

“The Nigeria Revenue Service wishes to address and correct misleading narratives circulating in sections of the media suggesting that Value Added Tax has been newly introduced on banking services, fees, commissions, or electronic money transfers. This claim is categorically incorrect,” it stated.

The agency stressed that service charges imposed by banks and other financial institutions have always been subject to VAT under Nigeria’s long-established tax regime.

“VAT has always applied to fees, commissions, and charges for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions,” the statement added.

It further clarified that VAT is applied strictly to the service charge, not to the amount transferred or withdrawn by customers.

“VAT is not charged on the amount of money transferred or withdrawn. It applies only to the service charge or commission imposed by the bank. For instance, if a bank charges ₦10 for a transfer, VAT of 7.5 per cent—₦0.75—applies to that ₦10 charge, not to the amount being transferred.”

The NRS also reassured Nigerians that interest earned on savings accounts, fixed deposits, and similar investments does not attract VAT.

“Interest income is not a supply of goods or services and therefore does not attract VAT under the Nigeria Tax Act,” it said.

Addressing concerns over the rising cost of living, the agency noted that basic food items and other essential goods remain VAT-exempt.

“The Nigeria Tax Act expressly exempts basic food items and essential goods from VAT to protect consumers and reduce the cost of living,” the statement explained.

It added that essential medical services, pharmaceutical products, tuition, and core educational services provided by recognised institutions are also excluded from VAT.

On recent developments in the tax system, the NRS emphasised that the focus is on compliance and enforcement, not the introduction of new taxes.

“What has changed is enforcement, not the law. Financial institutions are simply being reminded of their existing obligation to remit VAT already charged and collected from customers,” it said.

The agency maintained that the Nigeria Tax Act does not impose additional VAT burdens on Nigerians, particularly in sensitive areas such as savings, food, healthcare, and education.

“The Act did not introduce VAT on savings, basic food, medical care, education, or essential consumption. Claims suggesting otherwise are misleading and incorrect.”

The NRS urged the public to ignore unverified reports and rely on official sources for accurate tax information.

“The Nigeria Revenue Service urges members of the public and all stakeholders to disregard misinformation and rely exclusively on official communications for accurate, authoritative, and up-to-date tax information,” the statement concluded.