Tax evaders who failed to take advantage of the tax amnesty exercise rolled out in 2013 will from March this year face the full rigors of the law.
The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in conjunction with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will begin arresting and prosecuting evaders from next month.
Government in 2013 granted reprieve to tax defaulters as part of moves to widen the country’s income tax net to improve revenue inflows.
The Tax Amnesty provides limited time opportunity for taxpayers who have defaulted in filing their tax returns relating to previous periods or paying the taxes due as required by law, to discharge their tax obligations in exchange for pardon of a tax liability.
This includes interest and penalties without fear of criminal prosecution.
Executive Director of EOCO, Mortey Akpadgi told Citi Business News the initial phase of the exercise will cover a number of taxes.
“It will cove rent tax, pay-as-you-earn, withholding tax, non registration and or failure to collect VAT, failure to file VAT returns with Ghana Revenue Authority and non-filing of annual returns with Ghana Revenue Authority.’’
This is not the first time government has granted such a waiver. In 2006 individuals and companies that had defaulted in honouring their tax obligations were granted amnesty.
By: Vivian Kai Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana