- 4 Marks
Question
Evaluate FOUR (4) tax planning measures that you can adopt in your desire to form a sole proprietorship business. (4 marks)
Answer
The following tax planning measures can be adopted to reduce the tax liability of a sole proprietorship business:
- Personal Reliefs:
The sole proprietor can benefit from personal reliefs, such as:- Marriage/Responsibility Relief (GH¢1,200)
- Old Age Dependent Relief (GH¢1,000, limited to two relations)
- Old Age Relief (GH¢1,500)
- Child Education Relief (GH¢600 per child, limited to three children)
- Disability Relief (25% of assessable income from employment or business)
- Contributions to Pension Schemes:
Contributions towards pension schemes, such as Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3, are tax-deductible up to 35% of declared income. This helps to reduce taxable income while investing for retirement. - Changing the Character of Income:
By investing in treasury bills or other tax-exempt financial instruments, the sole proprietor can earn interest income that is tax-free, rather than expanding business operations and being subject to the highest marginal tax rate (30%). - Mortgage Interest Deduction:
The interest on a loan taken for the acquisition of a residential property can be used to reduce taxable income. This is applicable for one residential house in a taxpayer’s lifetime, providing a tax benefit.
Conclusion:
These tax planning measures can help reduce the overall tax liability of a sole proprietorship business, thereby maximizing after-tax income.
- Tags: Personal Deductions, Sole Proprietorship, Tax Planning, Tax Reliefs, Tax Savings
- Level: Level 3
- Topic: Tax planning
- Series: NOV 2021
- Uploader: Kwame Aikins