Some tax defaulters are still to settle their accounts, while GRA goes after others

Oct 05, 2018 Letters

Dear Editor,
I am pleased and proud as an employee with the success of the Tax Amnesty period that the GRA carried out. Many individuals and businesses took advantage of this amnesty and from the yields it was a great idea.
However, as a taxpayer and an employee of the GRA, I feel obliged to enquire about individuals and companies that are heavily indebted to the GRA over a number of years.
In 2013 there were court judgments against six companies and individuals.
To date some or most of the above stated are still to make an effort in settling their accounts.
It is unfair that there are persons who are making every effort to settle and be straight with the GRA whilst there are some who commit a crime by defrauding the GRA and no action is taken by the said agency to enforce a court ruling. Apart from what is owed, the GRA had to pay hefty for lawyers to prosecute these cases. The amount of money that is owed by these individuals and companies combined will add a nice chunk of change to the collection by the GRA. In some countries it is a crime to defraud a country of its rightful tax and I am certain there are heavy fines and even jail sentences for person found guilty of doing such.
I am therefore calling on the Commissioner General of the GRA to ensure that all are held accountable and treated fairly. One set of persons cannot cover for everyone whilst the delinquents continue to commit a crime of defrauding our country of much needed revenue. Some of these same individuals and companies continue to carry out the same activities and are not following the law and remitting what is rightfully for the agency. Simple checks and audits of their books would reveal same.
As an employee I can without a doubt vouch that the GRA has improved in many areas but this trend of only going after some peopleis something I would-like to see changed.
Regards
Employee of the GRA
Cc: The Commissioner General — Mr. Godfrey Statia Minister of Finance — Mr. Winston Jordan Leader of the Opposition — Mr. BharratJagdeo

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