← The Act in plain English

Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 · s.121–s.125

False claims and false declarations

A false refund claim costs 50% (100% for VAT) plus interest; a false declaration is ₦1,000,000 and can be prosecuted.

Who this lands on: Anyone signing or submitting a return, claim or declaration.

A refund obtained through a false or fictitious claim is repaid, plus 50% of it, plus interest (s.121). For a VAT refund the penalty is 100% (s.122).

A false declaration or counterfeited document carries an administrative penalty of ₦1,000,000 and, on conviction, up to three years or a ₦1,000,000 fine or both (s.124–s.125).

Where the offender is a company, its directors, managers, partners or trustees can be proceeded against personally unless they prove it happened without their knowledge or consent (s.126).

Also in What it costs when it slips

This is a plain reading of the Act for orientation, not tax advice. Where money is at stake, check the section itself or ask an accredited tax agent.