Answer: Clearing a barrel may entail paying duties on the contents of the barrel to the Customs and Trade Administration, a department of the Guyana Revenue Authority. However, for the remainder of the year 2007 and until further notice, persons clearing barrels and packages containing personal effects would not require a TIN. The Customs and Trade Administration would continue to request the TIN for all commercial transactions.

However, it must be noted that the TIN is not confined to “taxpayers” but rather anyone who would require the “services” of the GRA. Hence, even if you are unemployed, but you possess a driver’s licence, for instance, you would require a TIN to renew your licence. In addition, you may own a property, which you may want to transfer to a relative; this would require you having to obtain a land compliance certificate from the Internal Revenue Department of the GRA which will require a TIN to conduct this transaction.

Please note: TIN applications may be submitted in bulk or individually to the Registry, GPO Building, Georgetown or Internal Revenue Branch Offices at New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Linden and Anna Regina. Certificates will be returned to the workplace or the applicant’s home or mailing address.

(If you have questions on the Taxpayer Identification Number, kindly contact the Registry, GPO Building, Robb Street, Georgetown, Telephone, 225 5587 or 227 7310 ext 222 or 221.