GRA launches e-services to allow for filing of Tax Returns

DPI, GUYANA, Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Guyanese taxpayers have now been afforded an easier way of filing their tax returns with the launching of the long-awaited Electronic Services (eServices) by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The platform will enable individual taxpayers and companies to submit tax returns with the click of a button.

Following the amendment to Section 3 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01 which gives jurisdiction to the Commissioner-General to “authorise the use of electronic technology” and “require electronic, documents and electronic signatures,” the tax unit moved ahead with the implementation.

According to the GRA, the launch has come at an opportune time since employers required to submit Employers Returns/Form 2 before February 28 can do so online and simultaneously make use of a utility capable of converting the content into accurately completed income tax returns for each employee in bulk “pdf” format. It said employees can then uplift the forms from their employers, include other sources of income, if any, and then sign, before submitting to the GRA using the Drop Box system.

After signing up to enable user access, GRA said monthly and yearly Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Individual Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Individual Company and Property taxes, and Value Added Tax (VAT) returns can be filed via the website; https//eservices.gra.gov.gy.

Taxpayers in all categories, in particular individuals with multiple sources of income, those who have been approved for Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) and others who file returns on their own volition, are encouraged to sign up to eServices in order to file with ease and convenience. Sensitisation sessions have commenced ensuring employers are fully au-fait with this revolutionary approach to tax compliance. The GRA will also be partnering with the E-Governance Unit to provide assistance to various taxpayers at Information Communication Technology (ICT) hubs across the country.

Taxpayers are being reminded that Income Tax Returns must be true and correct and to ensure that their emolument (7b) slips are attached and a current email address is provided when submitting. The GRA is also encouraging taxpayers to make use of the online fillable forms that are available on its website.

The filing of Income Tax is a requirement of Section 60 of the said Act which states that “Every person shall on or before the prescribed day in every year deliver to the Commissioner-General a true and correct return of the whole of his income from every source whatsoever for the year immediately preceding the year of assessment, and shall if absent from Guyana give the name and address of an agent residing therein”.

 

By: Alexis Rodney

 

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