TAXATION

This study investigates the impact taxation on performance in small scale enterprise. It separately ascertains the effect of tax policies on small scale enterprise performance, the effect of tax rates on small scale enterprise performance, the effect of multiple taxation on small scale enterprise performance and the relationship between taxation and small scale enterprise performance. The study made used of descriptive survey research design. The study population consisted of 156 small-scale enterprises with a sample size of 115 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The data collected and collated from the respondents were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Based on the analysis, the following were the findings: Tax policy affect small scale enterprise performance as unclear and inconsistent tax policies affect business planning and operations. The major effects of tax rates on small scale enterprise performance are the reduction of capital available for business expansion and inability to meet tax obligations due to high tax rates. The major effects of multiple taxation on small scale enterprise performance are the increment of operational costs of small businesses, and discouragement in the registration and formalization business. Taxation has a significant positive relationship with the performance of small-scale enterprises. Considering the findings of the study and the conclusion reached the following recommendations among others were suggested: Government agencies should endeavour to simplify tax policies to ensure clarity and consistency, reducing the uncertainty that affects business planning and operations. Government at all levels should come up with a framework to reduce excessive tax rates to encourage business expansion and enable small enterprises to reinvest in their growth. Relevant Government Authority should introduce more tax incentives such as exemptions and
holidays to support small business sustainability and profitability