The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has indicated that it has a target of achieving GH¢80.3 million revenue mobilisation in the year 2022 through digitalisation in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the GRA 2022 Management Retreat at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, the Commissioner-General of GRA, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, stated that the Authority has put together strategies and several innovative ideas awaiting implementation to expand the country’s revenue mobilization system.
Owusu-Amoah, pointed out that the digitization drive for Domestic Tax and Customs Divisions will relentlessly continue and that there would be a new phase where that Ghana Customs Integrated System (ICUMS) and the Taxpayer portal would be deployed to ensure the Authority reaches its target in 2022.
He explained that the Authority has directed that all Large Taxpayers are mandated to file their returns through the online portal effective April 1, 2022.
“From 1st June, 2022, it will be compulsory for selected medium sized businesses and all High Net Worth Individuals to also file returns online. Additionally, we will automate and make requests for Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC’s) easily available. To access Government services, you will be required to have a TCC”, he added.
Stating the roadmap in achieving the 2022 revenue target, the Commissioner-General pointed out that the prominent strategy on the list is the implementation of the e-levy.
He explained that the Authority believes it would ensure a reliable stream of revenue, which will enhance revenue mobilization efforts as a country.
Mr. Owusu-Amoah also highlighted the piloting of an e-Invoicing system to collect Value Added Tax from 1st April, 2022 with selected taxpayers.
“This system of invoicing will put a stop to the manual ways of invoicing and block the leakages in the VAT system. We must play our part by asking for our VAT invoices when we buy goods or patronize services”, he reiterated.
He asserted that the Tax Identification Number (TIN) to Ghana Card mobilization, which entailed TIN owners using the Ghana Card Unique Identification to transact business with the GRA has exposed persons evading tax.
The Commissioner-General pointed out that the data has been used to identify eligible persons and that the Authority has started reaching out to them for compliance at the end of the year.
“We also encourage all persons who are out of the tax net to voluntarily comply. We expect those taxpayers to pay their taxes,” he lamented.
The Commissioner-General expressed worry over some businesses who are deliberately evading taxes.
E-commerce, gaming and bet taxes
The Authority revealed that that it is preparing to pilot an electronic-commerce, gaming and bet taxes in April 2022.
Owusu-Amoah explained that the introduction of such taxes coupled with digitization initiatives and the introduction of the Electronic-Levy would complement efforts in achieving the GhC80.3 billion revenue target.
He continued that a system has been designed to ensure that any e-commerce, betting and gaming platform that operate on the Ghanaian internet space are tax compliant.
“There will be vigorous efforts to tax players in the e-commerce market. This sector has been a challenge over the years for the Authority but we have put in place measures that will enable us to make inroads into the sector this year”, he said.
The Commissioner-General further added that the Authority is having a number of engagements with the Gaming Commission, Ghana and operators in the gaming and betting industry to ensure that the right taxes are paid by players in the industry.
Introduction of E-Levy Bill
The introduction and the passing of the E-Levy Bill will play a significant role in the country’s revenue mobilisation”, he told the participants.
He revealed that GRA would carry out massive education on the E-levy to bring clarity to the administration of the levy, urging the citizenry to support the government.
The Commissioner-General added that it has put in place all the necessary requirements for the successful implementation of the Bill if passed by Parliament.
He once again, stated that the Authority is currently developing a monitoring platform and will deploy it as soon as the Bill becomes law.
He finally added explained that GRA is ready to invite officials of the various financial institutions to collaborate with its technical team in achieving its target.
