Why the answer is A, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
Self-assessment is a tax system where **you take responsibility for your own tax affairs** — not the government. Under this system, taxpayers must:
1. Calculate how much tax they owe
2. File their tax returns themselves
3. Pay the correct amount to FIRS (Federal Inland Revenue Service)
Think of it like grading your own test paper and submitting it. FIRS doesn't send you a bill first; **you tell them** what you owe. This is the principle behind modern taxation in Nigeria and most countries — the taxpayer assesses themselves, hence "self-assessment."
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
**B)** sounds safe — "just wait for the tax people" — but that's the *old system* (official assessment), not self-assessment.
**C)** is wishful thinking! Self-assessment doesn't mean tax-free; it means you calculate it yourself.
**D)** You *can* use professionals to help, but it's not required. The key word is **self** — you're responsible, whether you hire help or not.
**Quick takeaway**
Self-assessment = **You calculate, you file, you pay** — not waiting for government to do it for you.
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →
Practice more Tax Audit questions
CITN Tax Audit has thousands more questions like this — with AI explanations on every one.