The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a stern warning to traders who evade taxes to desist from the act.
This comes as one of the measures of GRA to mobilize state funds and seal loopholes in revenue generation.
Addressing the press, Enforcement Manager for Accra South of the GRA, John Yaw Buabeng emphasized that traders are required to issue Tax Invoices after the purchase of items.
“People who have registered for VAT, they are required to issue the tax invoices. When we did test pitches, we realized the [traders] did not issue VAT invoices, the commissioners invoices. In the first place, by the brisk nature of the activities, they should have all computer -generated invoices where they are using the cash sale. They are not using that. And they don’t issue the VAT invoices.”
Mr. Buabeng explained the implications of failing to adhere to GRA’s directive, adding that sanctions will be meted out as the authority sees fit.
“They do highly selective issuance of tax invoices. Even then, it’s a problem. So revenue is highly at risk. And we had no option than to go in, take all the documents. That is the suppliers invoices. We have also taken their own invoices. We will do the required audit. But as it stands, we are charging them under Section 58 of the VAT Act 870 for non-issuance of VAT invoices. The appropriate sanctions will be brought to their notice and then it will apply.”
He further emphasized that, GRA officers who have been allocated to strategic locations will intensify activities to ensure compliance.
“During this season, this season is a peak activity season for all taxpayers, all traders. And this is what we expect that they will comply. There are other areas which the officers would also intensify the activities.”
“Because during this season, we know that there are a lot of violations. So it is a warm advice, a kind advice to all taxpayers who have registered that they should issue the tax invoice because we realize revenue is highly leaking, particularly with VAT.”
