Nigerian App KeepAm Simplifies Taxes for Gig Workers

Imagine getting paid for your freelance work, only to realize later you owe taxes on money you already spent on business expenses. That's the reality for millions of gig workers across Nigeria, but a new app is changing the game.

KeepAm launched in January to help remote workers, creators, and small business owners understand taxes they never learned about in school. Founder Emmanuel Olorunshola saw a double problem: people didn't understand the tax rules, and they were missing deductions that could save them money.

The app works like a financial diary. Every time users get paid, they log it. When they spend money on work expenses like data, transport, or equipment, they snap a photo of the receipt and store it in the app. By the time tax season arrives, everything is organized and ready to submit.

This matters because most Nigerian workers operate outside traditional payroll systems where taxes get deducted automatically. Meanwhile, banks already report transaction data to authorities, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service is watching digital income more closely than ever.

Without proper records, freelancers risk being taxed on their total income instead of their actual profit after expenses. A designer who earned 500,000 naira but spent 200,000 on software and equipment shouldn't pay tax on the full amount, but without proof, they might have to.

KeepAm also lets users create professional invoices instead of just texting clients their account number. Once a client pays, the invoice, payment, and related expenses link together automatically, creating a complete financial trail without needing expensive accounting software.

The platform works offline and converts different currencies to naira automatically. It even scores how confident it is about cash transactions, helping users build credible records even when formal receipts don't exist.

The Ripple Effect spreads beyond individual savings. As more gig workers formalize their operations, they gain access to loans, business opportunities, and government programs that require proof of income. They also contribute fairly to public services while keeping documentation that protects them from overpayment.

The dashboard shows users exactly where they stand: how much they've earned, what they owe, which tax bracket they're approaching, and how much to set aside each month. Daily tips explain confusing concepts like home office deductions in plain language, and countdown timers remind users of upcoming deadlines.

Olorunshola deliberately avoided accounting jargon, designing the system for people who never wanted to become bookkeepers. The goal is embedding tax structure into actions people already take, like checking their phone after getting paid.

For Nigeria's growing digital workforce, KeepAm represents something bigger than tax compliance: it's a pathway to financial confidence and protection in an increasingly monitored economy.