Overwhelming number of compliant taxpayers filing their 2021 tax returns
The GRA wishes to laud, congratulate and thank the taxpaying public for their overwhelming compliance by filing their tax returns before the filing due date of April 30, 2021. This level of compliance is extraordinary especially so in light of and the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In comparison to 2020, and previous years, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has received an astounding number of tax returns filed both manually and electronically. When compared to 2020, there was increase compliance of over 100%. Such compliance levels allowed the Agency to surpass it budget collections by over $1B for the month of April 2021.
As of April 30, 2021, the agency received 94,189 tax returns at its Headquarters and Regional Integrated Tax Offices, 4,414 of which were submitted via the new Optimal RMS e-services and over 1,000 payments being effected electronically thereon.
In March 2021, the GRA launched its new tax software Optimal Revenue Management System (RMS). This system will not only improve taxpayer convenience, allow for efiling and epayments, and improved operational efficiencies, but will allow the Agency to fast-track the processing of Mortgage Interest Relief and PAYE refunds, thereby bringing benefits to all stakeholders. The GRA is working assiduously in utilizing the information submitted in the 2021 returns to refund taxpayers for previous years by utilizing direct bank transfers, and give notice of such transfers through electronic media like MMS and WhatsApp. The Agency would like to assure taxpayers that systems are being put in place to reduce the long waiting time for tax refunds and MIR payments.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the interest of maintaining public safety, the issuance of lodgment receipts was discontinued. For future submissions, taxpayers who submitted their returns via the drop box system are encouraged to sign up for eservices to receive confirmation that their returns were lodged. They can also utilize this system to track their tax status (taxes due or refunds outstanding).
For additional information about the features and benefits of the Optimal Revenue Management System, taxpayers can visit www.gra.gov.gy/optimal. Taxpayers are also encouraged to view our video presentations, which cover promotional, guidance and other useful content via our social media channels: https://www.facebook.com/grapr2020 (Facebook) and https://www.youtube.com/c/GuyanaRevenueAuthority/ (YouTube).
The GRA is also encouraging taxpayers who have failed to meet the April 30, 2021 deadline to make every effort to do so within the shortest possible time since while the law allows for the Commissioner-General to waive associated penalties for due cause (e.g., the Covid-19 pandemic and legitimate concerns like the non-receipt of Employers’ 7B/emolument slips), such consideration may not be extended towards any interest that may have accrued for the late payment of taxes.
Godfrey Statia
Commissioner General