Expanding tax base – GRA engages traders on tax obligation

One of the factors impeding revenue mobilisation in the country is inability to captured those within the tax bracket.

Addressing this challenge which has existed for years, the Ghana Revenue Authority is initiating programmes and devising strategies to encourage payment of tax.

Accra East Area Director of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Joseph Asare, disclosed at a sensitisation event at Tema.

“As the Commissioner General said we’re partnering with civil society organisations, religious bodies, the Chief Imam among other opinion leaders and we at the local level are getting closer to the associations, market women, clubs, and the rest”.

“By getting closer to them, it will enable us take concerns and feedback and address them appropriately,” he said.

Mr. Asare further added that as a way of encouraging payment GRA has introduced online payment, E-invoicing and others to ensure convenience and compliance.

“You will be given the Commissioner General’s invoice when you visit the shops which is part of the innovations”.

At the event, one of the areas of concern was the slight confusion between levies and tax as some traders insisted there was no point paying both.

On this, Joseph Asare, clarified that levies or tolls paid are meant for the day-to-day management of the respective assemblies but income tax and other forms of taxes are paid to central government for national development.

“For instance, drivers pay booking fee after loading in Tema and will do same after reaching Kumasi and loading there too. We have advised the market heads to make available people we can train on tax obligations to serve as trainers,” he stated.

He encouraged the traders to access the service through short code *22#.

Office Manager, Taxpayer Service Centre for Tema Community 1, Lydia Owusu Banahene, pointed out the education was really needed as it enabled them explain modified taxation to the traders.

She said as a way of cushioning taxpayers when covid-19 struck, payment was suspended and returning to pre-covid in terms of payment seems new to some traders.

Vice chair of the Tema Central market, Philip Kyei encouraged all traders to fulfil their tax obligation to help develop the country.

“How do you expect the government build schools, road, and address other challenges if you don’t pay tax. I will urge GRA to reach all corners with the education to ensure compliance”.

Letitia Adjei who runs convenience shop is ready to pay tax but is unhappy over deplorable network in areas including Washington in the Kpone-Katamanso municipality.

She also expressed worry over the number of fees being paid to Tema Metropolitan Assembly which negatively impacts business.

According to her, GRA has deferred this year’s payment to next year.

The event was in two parts, tax education and health screening at Community One lorry terminal.