GUTA urges GRA to adopt human face approach during VAT compliance visits

The President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Clement Boateng, has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to adopt a friendly and accommodating approach when its officers visit markets to enforce Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance. He said the nationwide exercise should be accompanied by extensive education and sensitisation to help businesses and consumers understand their obligations under the VAT regime. Speaking at the launch of the VAT Compliance Campaign on Tuesday, September 22, he stressed the need for collaboration between the GRA and the business community to ensure the exercise achieves its intended objective. “After this launch today, there is going to be a nationwide education, sensitisation, enforcement and awareness creation to let Ghanaians know why there is the need for those who qualify to pay VAT to do so,” he said. Mr Boateng, however, appealed to the GRA to ensure that its officers treat traders with respect and understanding during compliance visits. “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. He also called on the GRA to include information on incentives available to consumers who demand VAT invoices after 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,” he added. Clement Boateng stated that GUTA would encourage its members to collaborate with the GRA as the Authority launches nationwide education, sensitization, and enforcement activities under the campaign. “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 anticipated to integrate education, awareness-raising, and enforcement and ensure that companies that are eligible to charge VAT fulfill their responsibilities Raphael Ghartey is writer and reporter with the MG News team at Media General, serving TV3, 3News, Onua FM, Onua TV and more platforms. Work on Takoradi Market Circle project set to resume within a Month — Contractor MiDA is Ghana’s gateway to global philanthropy - Mahama Ghana falls short of 30% female board representation target - Report Cedi buys at 11.54 to a Dollar on Tuesday, per BoG rate IMF: A record 1.2 billion young people will enter developing-world labor markets over the next decade Who urged the GRA to adopt a friendly approach during VAT compliance visits? A. Clement Boateng, the President of the GRA C. Clement Boateng, the President of the Ghana Union of Traders' Associations The day’s top stories, delivered to your inbox every morning. Source: 3News (https://3news.com/business/guta-urges-gra-to-adopt-human-face-approach-during-vat-compliance-visits)