A Tax Analyst with Ali Nakyea & Associates, William Demitia is warning that the implementation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) by the GRA could hit a snag if the Authority fails to coordinate with government agencies that provide essential services to the public.
The GRA is restricting access to services including acquiring a Driver’s license, passport as well as registering a business for taxpayers who fail to comply with the directive on obtaining a TIN.
The GRA has been implementing this since April 3, 2018 with a strong warning to defaulters.
However Citi Business News’ checks at the issuing agencies have shown non compliance with the order, three days into the implementation of the move.
But William Demitia explains that the aim could be short lived if the GRA fails to collaborate with allied institutions.
“It is always important that we put things in place; we have done this at the Registrar General’s Department where if you go there and you do not have a TIN, your information could be taken and a TIN generated for you. Why don’t we do the same at these two institutions? The GRA must work on getting its registration desks at the DVLA as well as passport offices,” he stated.
Mr. Demitia added, “I think that the strong stance of turning people away is not the solution. The solution lies in getting the data from these state institutions and making sure that as soon as the individual presents his or her data and yet doesn’t have a TIN, the system is able to generate one for the person.”
The enforcement of the Taxpayer Identification Number forms part of the GRA’s efforts to get taxpayers comply with the filing of their tax returns.
This is also expected to culminate in meeting the government’s revenue target for this year which is estimated at 40 billion cedis.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana