Apply human face to VAT compliance visits – GUTA appeals to GRA

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has urged the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to adopt a measured and people-centred approach as it intensifies its nationwide Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance campaign.

GUTA President, Clement Boateng, said GRA officials deployed to markets and businesses must exercise professionalism and restraint when engaging traders and other business operators.

Speaking at the launch of the VAT Compliance Campaign, Mr Boateng stressed the importance of cooperation between the tax authority and the business community to ensure the exercise achieves its intended objective.

He said the nationwide campaign would involve education, sensitisation, awareness creation and enforcement to ensure that businesses that qualify to charge and pay VAT comply with their obligations.

“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 to do so,” he said.

Mr Boateng specifically appealed to GRA officials assigned to markets and business centres to engage traders in a manner that encourages cooperation rather than confrontation.

“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 said a collaborative approach would help create a better understanding between businesses and the tax authority while supporting the broader objective of improving tax compliance.

The GUTA President also called on the GRA to educate consumers about the benefits and incentives associated with demanding 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,” Mr Boateng stated.

According to him, greater consumer awareness could complement the Authority’s compliance efforts by encouraging members of the public to insist on proper VAT documentation when they purchase goods and services.

Mr Boateng said GUTA would encourage its members to cooperate with the GRA throughout the nationwide campaign.

He noted that effective collaboration between the tax authority, businesses and consumers would be important to improving domestic revenue mobilisation and Ghana’s tax-to-GDP ratio.

“GUTA on our part will also encourage our members to be cooperative so that together we will have a smooth programme 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, sensitisation and enforcement as tBoateng acknowledged the importance of taxation to national development, noting that tax revenue remains a key source of financing for governments.

“As we are all aware, every country needs tax to embark on its developmental agenda and our dear country Ghana is no exception,” he said.he GRA seeks to improve compliance among businesses that fall within the VAT regime.