Quarterly Tax Payments Made Easy

Managing tax payments is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses.

Under Cameroon’s comprehensive tax regime, eligible businesses must pay taxes quarterly.

This simplifies the process and reduces administrative burdens. But how does it work? Let’s break it down.

Quarterly Tax Payments

Businesses under the comprehensive tax system do not need to file monthly tax declarations.

Instead, they are required to make four tax payments per year, based on their previous year’s turnover.

Quarterly Payment Schedule

Each payment is due 15 days after the end of each quarter:

• Q1: January – March (Payment due by April 15)
• Q2: April – June (Payment due by July 15)
• Q3: July – September (Payment due by October 15)
• Q4: October – December (Payment due by January 15 of the following year)

How to Calculate Your Quarterly Tax

Your business’s annual tax is determined based on its previous year’s turnover and is divided into four equal payments.

Example: If your annual tax is 200,000 FCFA, your quarterly payments will be 50,000 FCFA each.

For details on tax rates, refer to Comprehensive Tax Rates Explained.

How to Pay Your Quarterly Tax

The government requires businesses to make tax payments electronically through designated payment systems. Steps include:

1. Log into the online tax payment portal.
2. Declare your tax amount based on your assigned turnover bracket.
3. Make the payment online using a registered mobile money or bank transfer.
4. Receive an electronic receipt as proof of payment.

For detailed steps on electronic tax filing, check How to Declare and Pay Comprehensive Tax Electronically.

Penalties for Late Payments

Failure to pay by the due date results in penalties, including:

• A 10% fine for late payment.
• Interest charges for extended delays.
• Risk of business closure if non-compliance persists.

Learn more about avoiding penalties in How to Avoid Tax Penalties and Stay Compliant.

Benefits of Quarterly Tax Payments

✅ Less Administrative Burden – No need for monthly tax declarations.

✅ Predictable Payments – Businesses can plan their finances efficiently.

✅ Encourages Compliance – Easier tax obligations reduce the risk of non-compliance.

✅ Improves Cash Flow Management – Payments are spread across the year.

For small businesses under the comprehensive tax regime, quarterly tax payments offer a simple, predictable way to manage tax obligations.

Business that pay their taxes on time can stay compliant while focusing on growth.

For more guidance, visit OpenHub Consulting’s Tax Management Services.