February VAT Returns show improved compliance-GRA to pursue delinquent registrants: March 28, 2007 - The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recorded an increase in the number of Value Added Tax (VAT) Registrants who have filed Returns on time for February (1706-representing 80 percent of the total Returns expected).

However, there are some VAT registrants who remain “non filers”.

According to Commissioner (ag.)Value Added and Excise Taxes Department, Mrs. Hema Khan, “We’re now able to identify persons who have not been submitting their Returns and we’ll be chasing after these Returns”.    

Mrs. Khan is urging VAT Registrants to ensure that they comply with the VAT law by honouring their obligations, including filing monthly Returns and accounting for the tax they collect as well as remitting it to the GRA by the stipulated time.  

“We’ll be sending out estimated assessments where we assess you for tax owed and we’ll be after you to get the tax,” Mrs. Khan warned.   

Mrs. Khan noted that some registrants have expressed concern that they did not receive their return form.

She is advising those persons to uplift copies form the VAT Department but notes that they were mailed mainly in batches of 2 for February and March.

It has been observed that some VAT registrants have provided their home addresses as their mailing addresses. This, in some cases, has resulted in Return forms being undelivered.

Returns are distributed as registered mail and require the signature of the recipient. Mrs. Khan is encouraging VAT Registrants who wish to have their mailing addresses changed to visit the VAT office so this can be facilitated and the GRA’s and taxpayers’ records updated.
              

The Commissioner underscored that the GRA has also noted that there has been a decrease in errors on VAT Return forms submitted.

The Authority is urging Registrants that whenever they encounter problems with their Return forms to call or visit the VAT Department and seek assistance and advice.