By Naa Dzagbley Ago
The Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA has apprehended some managers of four business entities in the central business district of Accra for non-compliance with the country’s tax laws.
The facilities are Chang Wei Company Limited, dealers in children’s toys and accessories, Selena Bags Shop, wholesalers of children and ladies’ bags, both at Okaishie, Zebrex Motors Limited, dealers in car batteries and lubricants located at Abossey Okai and Black Park Company Limited dealers in home goods located at Tesano.
All four businesses were found not issuing the Commissioner General’s Value Added Tax, (VAT) invoice.
Interacting with journalists after the exercise, Area Enforcement Manager of GRA in charge of Accra Central, Joseph Annan said the four managers will be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department Unit of the Ghana Police Service for investigation and possible prosecution.
GRA on the other hand he noted will assess their books and then apply all the penalties and interest that are applicable.
The operation formed part of an ongoing nationwide VAT Invigilation exercise by the Authority to retrieve taxes due the State.
He said the GRA in their auditing process would conduct a preemptive assessment, which means that they would have to pay immediately, but then they would recommend a full audit to be conducted.
Mr. Annan while advising businesses to endeavor to fulfill their tax obligations cautioned that, ” once you have registered for VAT, you must at all times issue the VAT invoice, because the law requires you to issue VAT invoice at all times, once you have registered with us. Section 41 of the VAT Act 2013, (870) talks about that.”
He said the Authority will continue to embark on mystery shopping exercises across the country to apprehend culprits evading tax. “I will advise all taxpayers including ourselves that when we go out there to buy, let’s demand the VAT invoice. And for those who sell, we are in town, and you never know when we will knock at your door, so please do the right thing so that you are not captured by the cameras” he stated.
