The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has released an updated version of its Professional Rules and Practice Guidelines to enhance ethical standards, competence, and professionalism among tax practitioners.

The Guidelines were released during a Tax Practitioners Webinar held virtually in Lagos on Friday. The revised PRPG aims to promote sustainable economic growth through a more accountable and transparent tax system.

The document, segmented into two main parts—Professional Rules and Practice Guidelines, provides a robust framework that guides tax professionals in Nigeria to operate at a globally accepted standard.

Speaking on the updated guidelines, CITN emphasised that the PRPG is designed to instill the highest standards of integrity, objectivity, and competence among its members. It said the tax system can only support sustainable development when professionals uphold these values.

Part One, which covers Professional Rules, outlines fundamental principles such as competence and due care, integrity, objectivity, independence, prohibition of incompatible activities, and adherence to a mandatory professional training programme. Members are also required to comply with the Institute’s disciplinary processes and notify the CITN of any criminal charges.

Part Two, focused on Practice Guidelines, expands from chapters 3 to 14 and offers detailed expectations on practice structure, client management, conflict of interest, charging for services, complaint resolution, and recruitment policies.

It also covers governance issues, including the mandatory use of practice licenses and seals, proper client documentation, and structured advisory processes.
It noted that one of the key features of the updated guidelines is a strong emphasis on client service, documentation, and transparency.

The institute stated that practitioners are expected to keep detailed records, manage conflicts of interest ethically, and operate with full compliance with their own tax obligations.

CITN further introduced clearer directives on service charges, requiring that all fees, whether contingent or value-based, must be transparent and justified.

Meanwhile, it noted that disputes over service fees must be managed through defined resolution mechanisms either within the firm or via the CITN.

On internal operations, the PRPG outlined a comprehensive recruitment and training framework. This includes recruitment policies, structured career paths, performance evaluations, and mandatory training plans for long-term sustainability.

In addition, the Institute highlighted the importance of mergers and succession planning as critical components for business sustainability in tax practice.

CITN emphasised that adherence to these updated rules and guidelines would not only elevate the quality of tax practice in Nigeria but would also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.



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