VAT Service to begin enforcement of regulations

Takoradi, Jan. 20, GNA - The Takoradi Local Office of the Support Service Division of the Ghana Revenue Agency (GRA), formerly known as VAT Service, has announced plans to commerce strict enforcement of its regulations.

The exercise would focus on auditing and filing of returns by entrepreneurs. Ms Emelia Asaam, Deputy Head of the Takoradi Local Office of the Division, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that businesses that failed to file their returns on time would be required to pay interest.

She said personnel of the Service would be dispatched to monitor whether corporate entities issued invoices to customers who patronised their services.

Ms Asaam said businesses that failed to pay their liabilities would pay penalty to the Service, adding that last year, 20 of them that defaulted in honouring their statutory obligations to the Division were dragged to court and prosecuted.

She said last year, the Local Division exceeded its excise duty collections by 300 per cent, which was above the set target. Ms Asaam said the integration of the VAT Service to GRA would enhance revenue collection.

She noted that an orientation training workshop was underway to equip the staff of the Service to integrate smoothly into the GRA. Ms Asaam advised the public to insist on their invoices after making purchases. 20 Jan. 11