Forensic accounting skills and tax evasion detection in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the application of Forensic Accounting Skills on Tax Evasion Detection in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were sourced with the aid of structured questionnaire administered on respondents. The sample size was 301 comprising forensic accountants and Lagos State Internal Revenue officials. Multiple regression analysis results show a positive nexus between Forensic Accounting skills and tax evasion detection as the t-calculated (4.579) is greater than the t-tabulated (0.000) at 5% significance level. The forensic accounting skills proxied by Detection, Prevention, Deterrence Skills (DPDS); Forensic Audit, Investigation, Interviewing Skills (FAIIS); Arbitration, Mediation, Litigation Skills (AMLS); Honesty, High Integrity, Communication Skills (HHICS) indicated by the individual level of significance of 0.000, 0.054, 0.054 and 0.122 respectively which are less than 5% acceptable level of significance also shows that there is a significant positive relationship in the effect of forensic accounting on tax evasion detection. The finding indicates the existence of tax evasion and that the application of forensic accounting will drastically lead to the reduction. This will enhance government’s accessibility to more revenue in meeting up with its constitutional responsibilities. The study recommends among others of the need for the government to institutionalize forensic accounting in the country for effective tax administration.