The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has asked the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to apply a human face to its VAT compliance visits as the Authority steps up efforts to improve tax compliance among businesses.
President of GUTA Clement Boateng says GRA officials deployed to markets and businesses as part of the nationwide VAT compliance campaign must be measured in carrying out their duties.
Speaking at the launch of the VAT Compliance Campaign, he stressed the need for collaboration between the GRA and the business community to ensure the exercise achieves its intended objective.
He added that the officers deployed for the exercise should approach businesses in a manner that promotes cooperation rather than confrontation.
“After this launch today there is going to be a nationwide education, sensitization, enforcement and awareness creation to let Ghanaians know why there is the need for those who qualify to pay VAT has to do so.
“What I will entreat GRA to do is to attach a human face when the time comes for them to go to the market for the exercise. Their officers who will be deployed to the markets should be friendly and accommodative in carrying out their duty,” he said.
The GUTA President also urged the GRA to educate consumers on the benefits and incentives available to those who demand VAT invoices when making purchases.
“I will also urge GRA to include in their education the incentive that will be given to consumers who demand VAT invoices after their purchase,” Clement Boateng stated.
GUTA pledges cooperation
Clement Boateng said GUTA would encourage its members to cooperate with the GRA as the Authority begins nationwide education, sensitisation and enforcement activities under the campaign.
He noted that effective cooperation between the tax authority, businesses and consumers would be critical to improving Ghana’s tax revenue mobilisation.
“GUTA on our part will also encourage our members to be cooperative so that together we will have a smooth program and improve on our tax to GDP ratio for the betterment of Mother Ghana,” he stressed.
The VAT Compliance Campaign is expected to combine education, awareness creation and enforcement to ensure that businesses that qualify to charge VAT comply with their obligations.
Clement Boateng acknowledged the importance of taxation to national development, noting that every country relies on tax revenue to finance its development agenda.
“As we are all aware, every country needs tax to embark on its developmental agenda and our dear country Ghana is no exception,” he highlighted.
Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews
