Hoi Li's Tax Guide: iPhone 18 Pro Max, Android Rivals, and the ₦3.5m Tax Reality

Hello my favorite in-law! It's Hoi Li here. You know I don't just carry a calculator for fun; as a CPA, I'm here to make sure your money works as hard as you do. I know everyone in Lagos and Abuja is talking about the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Let's dive in.

1. The Hype: Under-Screen FaceID & Gemini Siri

Apple finally did it. The Under-screen FaceID means no more Dynamic Island blocking your Netflix! Plus, the new Gemini-powered Siri actually understands natural context better than ever. It's a beast.

2. iPhone vs. The Android "Kings"

I see you looking at the Samsung S26 Ultra. Look, Android phones have 200x zoom and batteries that last 3 days. But we know why we love the iPhone—it's the ecosystem and, let's be honest, the social signal. As your CPA, I won't tell you to buy a "cheaper" phone if your heart is set on the Pro Max. I'll just tell you how to pay for it without the NRS (Nigeria Revenue Service) breathing down your neck.

3. The ₦3.5 Million Mathematics

The US price is $1,199. But in Nigeria, we play a different game:

Exchange Rate: ~₦1,700/$
Import Duty (Customs): 20%
VAT: 7.5%

That $1,199 phone becomes ₦3.5 Million by the time it lands in your hand.

4. Hoi Li's "Legal Bypass"

How do you get the phone without being "taxed to death"?

The Personal Allowance Hack: If you're traveling back from London or Houston, you have a Duty-Free Allowance for personal effects. One unboxed phone is usually "personal." Two or three? You're a trader in the eyes of Customs.
NRS Wealth Check: The NRS uses your NIN to track high-value purchases. If you buy from an official dealer in Nigeria, they will ask for your TIN/NIN.

Hoi Li's CPA Tip: Ensure your PAYE or Self-Assessment is up to date. A ₦3.5m phone purchase on a "₦0 tax return" is like screaming "Check me!" at a police checkpoint. Use our Tax Compliance Checker to stay safe!