Five double-taxation myths Nigerians abroad still believe

Myth one: 'I pay tax in the US, so Nigeria can't tax me.' Residency, not citizenship, drives Nigerian personal income tax — but Nigerian-source income (like rent from your Lekki flat) stays taxable in Nigeria regardless of where you live.

Myth two: 'Remittances are taxed.' Sending your own after-tax money home is not a taxable event. What is taxable is income arising in Nigeria — rent, dividends, business profits.

Myth three: 'Treaties mean I choose where to pay.' Treaties assign taxing rights and give credits; they don't offer a menu. The tie-breaker rules look at your permanent home, center of vital interests, and habitual abode.

Myth four: 'FBAR is a tax.' It's a report, not a tax — but ignoring it is far more expensive than most taxes. If your non-US accounts crossed $10,000 combined at any moment, FinCEN Form 114 is due.

Myth five: 'It's too complicated to fix.' The Diaspora module interviews your residency timeline, applies treaty relief, monitors FBAR thresholds, and coordinates both sides. Complicated is our job.