By Naa Dzagbley Ago
The Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), says it will soon consider the introduction of an e-VAT system where companies expected to issue the Commissioner General’s VAT receipts will be roped in.
This will not only enhance voluntary compliance but also help enforce it.
Interacting with some journalists after embarking on its current routine exercise of test purchases in some parts of Accra, Area Enforcement Manager of GRA in charge of Accra Central, Joseph Annan, said the move will allow officers to monitor the real-time activities of companies in the comfort of their offices without having to visit them on the field.
He said adhering to the tax laws is not only a civic responsibility but also a good way for tax payers to contribute to the development of the country. Companies visited are Homebase Ventures Limited behind the Achimota Forest, dealers of electrical products; New-Tom-Pat Enterprise at Madina, dealers in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; and Modern Star and Drinking Supplies at Madina, dealers in soft drinks.
At all these places, it was revealed that companies were either involved in selective issuance or not issuing the VAT receipts at all. With this, representatives of the companies were arrested by the team, taken to the GRA headquarters for their statements, and handed over to the Police CID on board the team for further investigations and prosecution where needed.
Mr. Annan said GRA will continue to conduct its unannounced visits to ensure full compliance.
Mr. Annan, while commending the consuming public for their support over the period, encouraged them to do more to help the GRA rake in the needed revenue for development.