Table of Contents
Rule #1: Separate Your Accounts
If you buy diapers for your baby from your business account, you are killing your business.
The "Corporate Veil":
Legally, your Limited Liability Company (LTD) is a separate person. If you mix funds, you "pierce the corporate veil," meaning if the business gets sued, they can take your personal house/car.
Practical Steps:
1. Open a Corporate Bank Account (Moniepoint, GTBank, etc.).
2. All client payments go there. NO EXCEPTIONS.
3. If you need money for personal use, transfer it to your personal account first. Label the transfer "Salary" or "Drawings".
The "Corporate Veil":
Legally, your Limited Liability Company (LTD) is a separate person. If you mix funds, you "pierce the corporate veil," meaning if the business gets sued, they can take your personal house/car.
Practical Steps:
1. Open a Corporate Bank Account (Moniepoint, GTBank, etc.).
2. All client payments go there. NO EXCEPTIONS.
3. If you need money for personal use, transfer it to your personal account first. Label the transfer "Salary" or "Drawings".
Bookkeeping: Pen & Paper vs. Apps
You don't need QuickBooks (yet). You just need to know what came in and what went out.
The Spreadsheet Method:
Create a simple Google Sheet with columns: Date, Description, Category (Rent, Data, Salary), Amount In, Amount Out. Update it every Friday.
The App Method (Recommended):
Use Nigerian-focused apps like Kippa or Bumper.
- Pros: They work on mobile. They send invoices. They track debtors (people owing you).
- Cons: Requires data.
The "Shoebox" Method:
Keep every physical receipt in a box. It's better than nothing, but your accountant will hate you at tax time.
The Spreadsheet Method:
Create a simple Google Sheet with columns: Date, Description, Category (Rent, Data, Salary), Amount In, Amount Out. Update it every Friday.
The App Method (Recommended):
Use Nigerian-focused apps like Kippa or Bumper.
- Pros: They work on mobile. They send invoices. They track debtors (people owing you).
- Cons: Requires data.
The "Shoebox" Method:
Keep every physical receipt in a box. It's better than nothing, but your accountant will hate you at tax time.
Profit vs. Cash Flow: The Deadly Trap
Scenario: You buy goods for ₦1M. You sell them for ₦1.5M on credit (customer pays next month).
- Profit: ₦500k. (On paper, you are rich).
- Cash Flow: -₦1M. (In reality, your bank account is empty).
Cash is King:
Businesses don't die because they lack profit; they die because they run out of cash.
- Tip: Ask for deposits (50-70%) upfront. Do not offer credit unless you have deep pockets.
- Profit: ₦500k. (On paper, you are rich).
- Cash Flow: -₦1M. (In reality, your bank account is empty).
Cash is King:
Businesses don't die because they lack profit; they die because they run out of cash.
- Tip: Ask for deposits (50-70%) upfront. Do not offer credit unless you have deep pockets.
How to Pay Yourself (Salary)
You are an employee of your business.
Fixed Salary:
Set a realistic salary for yourself (e.g., ₦150,000). Transfer this on the 25th of every month. Do not touch the business account again until next month.
Dividends (Profit Share):
At the end of the year, if the business has excess profit after saving for taxes and reinvestment, you can declare a dividend. This is your "bonus".
Fixed Salary:
Set a realistic salary for yourself (e.g., ₦150,000). Transfer this on the 25th of every month. Do not touch the business account again until next month.
Dividends (Profit Share):
At the end of the year, if the business has excess profit after saving for taxes and reinvestment, you can declare a dividend. This is your "bonus".
Taxes Simplified: VAT, CIT, & WHT
Don't run from FIRS. They will catch you, and the penalty is worse than the tax.
1. VAT (Value Added Tax - 7.5%):
Consumer pays this, not you. You just collect and remit.
- Tip: If you charge ₦10,000, your invoice should read ₦10,750.
2. CIT (Company Income Tax - 0% / 20% / 30%):
- Small Company (Turnover < ₦25M): 0% tax. (Yes, really. But you must still file returns).
- Medium Company (Turnover ₦25M - ₦100M): 20% of profits.
3. WHT (Withholding Tax - 5% or 10%):
Advance payment of tax. If a big company pays you, they might deduct 5% WHT. Collect the "Credit Note". You can use it to pay your CIT later.
1. VAT (Value Added Tax - 7.5%):
Consumer pays this, not you. You just collect and remit.
- Tip: If you charge ₦10,000, your invoice should read ₦10,750.
2. CIT (Company Income Tax - 0% / 20% / 30%):
- Small Company (Turnover < ₦25M): 0% tax. (Yes, really. But you must still file returns).
- Medium Company (Turnover ₦25M - ₦100M): 20% of profits.
3. WHT (Withholding Tax - 5% or 10%):
Advance payment of tax. If a big company pays you, they might deduct 5% WHT. Collect the "Credit Note". You can use it to pay your CIT later.
Nkechi "Numbers" Adebayo
Chartered Accountant (FCA)
4
Nkechi has audited everything from roadside buka joints to oil servicing firms. She specializes in helping SME owners understand their numbers without the jargon. Her motto: "If you cannot measure it, you cannot grow it."
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