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toubab1020
12240 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Apr 2013 : 12:37:06
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The administration has some work to do to calm the people about price increases,
" We hope the business community will heed this advice and embrace the culture of honesty and not use the tax regime as a basis for exploitation."
Of course they will ,won't they?
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/vat-and-prices-1
VAT and Prices
Africa » Gambia
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Editorial
Taxation plays an important role in the development of a country, for which The Gambia is no exception. This is because the country is a tax-based economy and mainly depends on domestic revenue mobilisation to meet its current and future development needs.
This makes taxation a critical catalyst in supporting government towards servicing its development needs and aspirations in the areas of financing government services in terms of salaries, provision of quality health service delivery system and infrastructural undertakings. Thus, tax is primarily an obligatory contribution for citizens and non-citizens alike. Taxes do not give direct benefits to individuals but rather on a collective scale in terms of roads, hospitals, markets, schools etc.
In view of the above, Gambians and non-Gambians alike should know that the payment of taxes is a national duty. All and sundry must therefore make it a point of duty not to default in its payment. Those in default should endeavour to settle their arrears in due course. It is by so doing that we can collectively accomplish the development aspirations of our country.
However, the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities and services by unscrupulous businessmen rallying behind the newly introduced Value Added Tax as justification should be revisited by the authorities and the business community.
If the words of the National Revenue Authority are anything to go by, VAT should not lead to the skyrocketing of the prices of goods and services. This is simply because VAT has come to replace the Sales Tax. It has not in any major way altered our tax structure, hence cannot necessitate price increment. The business community must know that business is basically a fundamental human activity that people engage in to earn their living.
It is also a vital means of promoting the economic wellbeing of a nation. Therefore, it is important that those who are engaged in this crucial activity do it with honesty and empathy. Hiding behind the VAT to increase prices of goods with a view to exploiting the common person violates the principles of fair trade.
Besides, business can simply grow when prices of basic necessities are reasonable. A slow but progressive business is what is sustainable. We hope the business community will heed this advice and embrace the culture of honesty and not use the tax regime as a basis for exploitation.
Author: Daily Observer
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 16 Apr 2013 12:37:58 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 03 May 2013 : 21:53:50
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FOROYAA EDITORIAL;
3.FOROYAA NEWS: EDITORIAL;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 16 May 2013 : 23:07:12
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PURA EXPLAINS VAT ON ELECTRICITY, WATER BILLS
"The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has said that the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) came up with the decision that domestic consumers, who consume electricity up to over 1000 units in a month, are liable to pay Value Added Tax (VAT).
PURA also informs that if a consumer consumes 250 cubic metres of water in a month, she/he would also be liable to pay VAT.
“That threshold has been determined by NAWEC and obviously consumers that consume above the threshold would have to pay VAT on that amount,” PURA explained.
According to the regulatory body, the tax issue is something that affects all based on which bracket one is. This VAT issue PURA went on is a decision of GRA. It said the quantum of the charges for VAT on electricity, water and telephone is paid if it goes beyond a certain threshold domestically, that consumer would be required to pay VAT.
However, PURA said as far as they are concerned there is no increase in electricity and water cost. Telephone mobile operators and GAMTEL are still charging the same charges.
On the Consumer Parliament which has been off for some time now, PURA explains that its main area of concern for now is the provinces. PURA said that the consumer Parliament is for the urban areas while the Bantaba outreach is for the provinces.
According to PURA it is focusing on the Bantaba sessions before they hold another session of the consumer parliament. It is indicated that PURA wants to do more at the other side of the country in terms of the Bantaba which they are preparing for.
PURA stated that the consumer parliament is here to compliment what they already have in-house (hotline 148). The 148 PURA added, is still available and people can call free of charge from any network from 9 am to 5pm and raise concerns and as the authority responsible it would look into it.
The Bantaba, it is said provides a forum where people come together and show their concerns and the authorities take it up with the operators on the ground so that they take cognizant of each complain and deal with it accordingly. PURA said that their role is to make follow ups on the issue to make sure that the operators do what they are supposed to do. According to PURA, at the bantaba they do not just go and listen to complaints but do also sensitize consumers on their rights. "
Written by Amie Sanneh
SOURCE: Foroyaa |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jun 2013 : 22:21:58
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VAT given another look
"Officials of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MOFEA), the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) converged yesterday on Kthamsys Centre at Bijilo to discuss the Value Added Tax (VAT) and its effects on the socio-economic condition of the people.
The initiative is also premised on the fact that the Gambia Government is committed to a very comprehensive tax reform agenda by looking at the tax system in its entirety and not just to look at one or two areas, say officials of the public sector.
“Government is also of the view that tax systems should be looked into properly,” said the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mod K. Secka, in his remarks on the occasion.
“At the end of the day we want to lessen the burden of taxation on the policymakers, the businesspeople and the consumers,” Mr Secka added...."
SOURCE: THE POINT NEWS More full info. here |
Edited by - kobo on 14 Jun 2013 22:22:49 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 20 Feb 2014 : 03:10:12
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 1. Stakeholders validate VAT draft document guide
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
The Gambia Revenue Authority and various stakeholders Friday validated Valued Added Tax draft document guide at a forum held at the Baobab Resort Holiday Hotel in Bijilo.
Speaking at the validation ceremony, Yankuba Darboe, acting-Commissioner General of GRA, said the validation workshop provided them the opportunity to review an important document on VAT that would deepen understanding on the operation of VAT.
He said to facilitate the implementation of the VAT, GRA would continue instituting measures such as preparation of guidelines to provide effective support and facilitation to taxpayers in improving compliance.
According to him, VAT was introduced in The Gambia effective 1 January 2013, following the enactment of the income and Value-Added Tax Act 2012......
SOURCE: The Point News & full report
2. Related Bantaba Gambian politics topic D.O. comments on VAT. |
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VAT is a good tax ?
