The Gambia Revenue Authority has expressed its readiness in 2020 to heavily fight against tax Evasion under their mandates.
The Gambia Revenue Authority GRA, according to the commissioner General was established by Act of parliament, and it mandates the Authority to administered, assess and collect, to provide for the efficient and effective administration of the revenue collecting system; and for matters, connected therewith.
He also cited that the Gambia Revenue Authority was established for the purpose of enhancing the mobilization of government revenue, while providing effective tax administration and sustainability in revenue collection.
He cited that as the main revenue collecting agency, the Authority is the main- contributor to the financing of public expenditure, Thus, GRA remains ever committed to ensuring that the Authority plays its rightful role in mobilizing the required financial resources for the realization of the development, aspiration of the country.
Regarding the payments of tax, the Commissioner General said 2020, will be a turning point for GRA in the interest of national development. He made it categorically clear that era of compromise for tax evasion and non-tax compliance will not be the thing of the past particularly in 2020.
He confirmed that in 2019, GRA were tasked by Government to collect 10.7Billion and GRA collected more than the set target by Government and in 2020, GRA are also task to collect D12Billion on revenue for national development.
He said to achieve this: “GRA must implement their mandates to the letter without any compromise with non-tax defaulters.”
He added that GRA are open for negotiation in making payment plans as a compromise but emphasized that payment of tax obligation is a matter must. He said if any company that is exempted from paying tax, they should endeavor to bring that document for verification, otherwise they must pay tax.
He further emphases that it is not the wish or interest of GRA close down companies, but all what they want is voluntary tax compliance from companies who are particularly y doing business making money. He stressed that people have to be fair and honest to the states, otherwise GRA should not be chasing people or close down companies as a result of nonpayment of tax.
According to the Commissioner General GRA will continue to tighten their belt ahead of the task giving to them by the Government to collect for national development.
“We have to follow –the law to make sure that people pay their taxes on time and if you don’t, we will know and we will come to you one day,” he said.
