Chief Executive Officers Characteristics and Corporate Tax Planning

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Authors: Abu Geraldine and Uniamikogbo Emmanuel

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) characteristics on corporate tax planning among non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX).The study specifically examines the effect of CEO age, gender, and tenure on the effective tax rate (ETR), which serves as a proxy for corporate tax planning. Using a quantitative research design, the study employs panel data regression analysis covering a sample of 30 listed firms over a ten-year period (2013-2022). The findings reveal that all three CEO characteristics significantly influence the extent of tax planning as female, older, and longer-tenured CEOs are associated with more conservative tax strategies. The results contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence from an emerging market context, thereby highlighting the relevance of executive traits in shaping tax behaviour. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and corporate boards, emphasising the need for strengthened governance frameworks to align executive decision-making with responsible tax practices.

Keywords: Chief executive officer, age, gender, tenure, effective tax rate, Nigeria

2025 - NIJAF - 17 - 114 Abu & Uniamikogbo.pdf

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