Consumers could earn rewards for requesting VAT invoices - Finance Ministry

The government has announced plans to introduce a VAT Reward Scheme that will reward consumers who request valid VAT invoices from businesses, as part of efforts to improve tax compliance and reduce revenue leakages.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed the initiative while presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament, saying the scheme would encourage greater public participation in tax administration.

Under the proposed programme, customers who obtain valid VAT invoices after making purchases will qualify for periodic rewards.

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According to the minister, the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen VAT compliance through the rollout of Fiscal Electronic Devices (FEDs), which are expected to improve the monitoring of taxable transactions.

“The pilot phase is at an advanced stage. To encourage participation and improve compliance, Government will also introduce a VAT Reward Scheme under which customers who obtain valid VAT invoices will qualify for periodic rewards,” the minister said.

He said the scheme is intended to build a stronger tax culture by encouraging consumers to play an active role in ensuring businesses properly account for VAT collected on behalf of the state.

The Finance Minister noted that Ghana currently loses an estimated 60% of its potential VAT revenue due to non-compliance and systemic inefficiencies, describing the situation as unacceptable.

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He called on Parliament to support measures to clamp down on businesses and individuals who collect VAT from customers but fail to remit it to the state.

He explained that the Fiscal Electronic Devices, currently being piloted, will help improve VAT collection, reduce revenue leakages and ensure greater accountability in VAT administration.

DR/SA