The Nigerian government has implemented a tax policy to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), but taxation remains a significant obstacle to their growth. Poor tax policies may hinder SMEs' ability to mobilize resources and contribute to economic development. This, therefore, prompted the researcher to examine the effect of the multiple taxation on the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. Secondary data sources were used, Data on vlue added tax, company income tax was specifically extracted from published Central Bank of Nigeria Bulletin 2023.The study found that Value Added Tax (VAT) had no statistically significant effect on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. However, it had a negative effect on SME performance, with a coefficient of -0.022478. Company Income Tax, confirmed that it had a statistically significant effect on SME performance in Nigeria. The study therefore concluded that that multiple taxation, particularly Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT), negatively impacts the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. Good tax management leads to higher performance, while Company Income Tax is crucial for SMEs' stability and performance in any economic condition. The study recommended that SMEs should encourage value-added tax, implement robust accounting systems, stay updated with VAT rules, research VAT reliefs, and accurately issue invoices. They should develop strategic tax plans, financial forecasts, and accurate tax reporting to manage CIT obligations efficiently and support sustainable growth.