This research work is an attempt to examine how taxation is used as a fiscal policy tool in planning, controlling and co-ordinating the tempo of some of the activities of the economy. It has been made for all those who may be interested in carrying out a study on issues like re-distribution of income; inflation control; resource re-allocation and protection of infant industries.

          This work will also be useful to all and sundry, particularly the policy makers in the country who are aware of the state of the nations economy and being hoped of this work. The structure of this work is fairly simple. There are five chapters altogether.

          Chapter one gives all analysis of the project paper. Chapter two deals with the review of related literature. Chapter three deals with the design of the research and methodology. Chapter four, data collection, presentation and analysis finally chapter five explores the findings, recommendations, conclusion and suggestion for further studies.

          However, any continuing weakness, failings, or mistake are my responsibility alone.

Approval page

Dedication

Acknowledgment

Abstract

Preface

Table of contents

1.1  Introduction

1.2  Objective of the study

1.3  Significance of the study

1.4  Statement of problem

1.5  Hypothesis

1.6  Scope and limitation of the study

1.7  Definition of terms

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Definition / forms of taxes

2.2 The tax system

2.3 Principles / characteristics of a good tax system

2.4 Development of Nigeria tax system

2.5 The role of taxation in the Nation’s development

2.6 References

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 Study area

3.2 Sources of data (Primary and Secondary Sources)

3.3 Method of investigation

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Data presentation

4.2 Analysis

4.3 Testing of hypothesis

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Summary of findings

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendation

Bibliography

Appendix

1.1                                    INTRODUCTION

The economy of any county regardless of its structure is normally regulated by certain policies developed by the government of such a country. Among these policies there are economic policies, social policies etc.

However, the economic policies are more fundamental in that it serves as a foundation for the success of other policies of the government. The constituent elements of these economic policies need to be manipulated, and most of them simultaneously for the desired result. One of the essential arms of economic policies, the fiscal policy, is related to government tax and expenditure. In another way around form, Baumel, W.J. and Blinder A.S., (1979) in the book “Economic principles and policy” defines fiscal policy as governments plan for spending and taxation. It serves as a means of planning, controlling and co-ordinating the tempo of activities in the economy.

Taxation is one of the courses of action of fiscal policy. According to Olanifan I.F. (1994) it is the compulsory transfer of resources from the private sector to the public of the economy of the nation. The direction of taxes is seen in its potential effects on the determinants of growth. This is done by way of;

i.                   Altering the determinants of economic development e.g. capital formation, technological change, factor supplies etc.

ii.                 Permitting the financing of government activities or government financed privated investment without the undesirable effects of other methods of financing. It could also be seen in its potential effects upon the rate of growth such as the level of governmental expenditure: on the branch of stability; on resources allocation; also on distribution of income and wealth.

This important aspect of the fiscal policy has been a major sources of revenue generation in Nigeria roughly this around the turn of this century. Apart from serving this important purpose, it has also been a major policy instrument that the government has consistently used in planning, controlling and co-ordinating the various economic activities of the country gear towards economic growth.

          The tax system being a principal fiscal tool, when effectively executed, is capable of helping the nation out of the state of economic recession which is the main problem of distributing the standard of living of individuals in the country.

          Therefore, it is the main objective of this study to take critical examination and evaluation of the tax system as all instruments of fiscal policy. And after the analysis, the researcher is deemed to suggest welling planning solution as to the pervading problems of this tax system.