Rules as Living Policy,
Not Hard-Coded Formulas
Tax laws change. Governments introduce new thresholds, reliefs, and entire regimes. Blackgoat assumes from day one that policy must move faster than code.
Engine vs Parameters
We separate the engine that does the math from the parameters that describe the law: bands, rates, exemptions, and special cases.
Audit Record
We keep a clear record of which rule set was applied to which calculation, ensuring consistency over time.
Data-Driven Updates
Rules can be updated in a controlled, data-driven way without rewriting the entire system.
Living Governance
Blackgoat treats tax policy like configuration, not a static PDF, which is essential for modern governance.
Benefits for Everyone
For the User
- Confidence that filing reflects this year's rules.
- Ability to run "what‑if" scenarios.
For Policymakers
- Temporary amnesties can be modeled as parameters.
- Rules can be tested on anonymized data before rollout.
If you have a standard Personal Income Tax (PIT) return only (Salary/Employment income, and common reliefs such as Pension, NHF, NHIS, and Life Assurance), you can file seamlessly with Blackgoat Basic. Roughly 65% of Nigerian taxpayers are eligible for this standard filing category.
Examples of situations included in a Standard PIT Return:
- Employment Income (PAYE) from one or more employers
- Interest and Dividends (where WHT is final tax)
- Consolidated Relief Allowance (CRA)
- Pension Contributions (RSA)
- National Housing Fund (NHF) Contributions
- National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Contributions
- Life Assurance Premiums
- Business Expenses (for specialized Self-Employed filings)
Blackgoat Advanced (for situations not included in Standard Return):
- Complex Capital Gains adjustments
- Foreign Income with double taxation treaty claims
- Complex Trust or Estate income
- Business Income requiring audited financial statements
Blackgoat Guarantees
100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee: If you pay a State Internal Revenue Service (SIRS) or NRS (formerly FIRS) penalty or interest because of a Blackgoatcalculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your tax return, defined as six years from the date you filed it.
Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee: If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method by filing an amended return, we'll refund the applicable Blackgoat purchase price paid. This guarantee is applicable to the specific tax year filed.
Audit Support Guarantee: If you receive an audit letter from a State Board of Internal Revenue or NRS (formerly FIRS) based on your Blackgoat individual or business return, we will provide one-on-one question-and-answer support with a tax professional. We will not represent you before the tax authority or provide legal advice unless you have purchased the Audit Defense add-on.
Satisfaction Guaranteed: You may use Blackgoat Online without charge up to the point you decide to print or electronically file your tax return. Printing or electronically filing your return reflects your satisfaction with Blackgoat Online.
* Prices are subject to change without notice. Internet access required; standard data rates apply to download and use mobile app.