GRA extends COVID-19 tax relief initiatives

All affected businesses will now be allowed to pay advance taxes on the current year basis for the Year of Assessment 2021 but All other taxes are due and payable in accordance with the law.

GRA extends COVID-19 tax relief initiatives

The Guyana Revenue Authority today announced that it has extended those COVID-19 tax relief initiatives that should have been expiring at the end of this month.

In a statement, the GRA said the decision came after a careful assessment by the Government of the impact that the pandemic has had on the economy.

The deadline for the filing of tax returns has been further extended to the end of September.

All affected businesses will now be allowed to pay advance taxes on the current year basis for the Year of Assessment 2021 but All other taxes are due and payable in accordance with the law.

According to the GRA, the interest and penalties, though applicable for late filing and payment, may be waived by the Commissioner General for just cause.

The removal of VAT on Water, Electricity and Domestic Air Travel has also been extended to the end of September along with the waiver of VAT, Duties and Excise taxes on all medical supplies associated with the testing, prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

The granting of Tax deductions for all donations made by local businesses to the Ministry of Health will also remain in place as well as tax deductions for donations to staff and other health institutions.

Among the administrative measures taken in an effort to provide some level of comfort to the taxpaying public during this pandemic, the GRA established early working hours at its Camp Street Headquarters and recently re-located some of its Licence Revenue services to its Smyth Street building.

The relocated services are Motor Vehicle Transfers, New Motor Vehicle Registration, Motor Vehicle Examination, and cashiering.

An external station was also set up at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) for payments for Internal Revenue, VAT, Customs transactions and Motor Vehicle licences. Additionally, a drop box is available for persons to submit their returns.

The GRA will soon be facilitating a drive-thru facility at its Lamaha Street Parking Lot for persons to uplift their licenses after completing the application/renewal and online payment procedure.

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