The government organization in charge of tax assessment, collection, and enforcement in Ghana is known as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Established in 2009 as a merger of three existing tax agencies; the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Value Added Tax Service (VATS), and the Customs, Excise, and Preventive Service (CEPS).
The creation of the GRA is a component of the reforms in Ghana’s revenue administration and tax collection that started in the middle of the 1980s. This was when CEPS and IRS were separated from the Civil Service and transformed into institutions of the public sector that were semi-autonomous, self-accounting, and had their boards. The National Revenue Secretariat (NRS) was established to create revenue strategies, oversee tax reforms, and control CEPS and IRS operations.
The GRA’s mission is to raise money for national development, encourage adherence to tax rules, and offer top-notch support to taxpayers. The agency uses a number of the below-discussed roles and services to accomplish its goals.
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Tax assessment
Based on the relevant legislation, the GRA is in charge of determining each person’s and company’s tariff obligations. The agency employs some techniques, such as self-assessment, audit, and inquiry, to calculate the amount of tax due. The GRA also offers advice and support to taxpayers to make sure they comprehend their tax responsibilities and can abide by its rules.
Collection of taxes
All taxes and levies levied by the government must be collected by the GRA. The agency uses a variety of methods to collect taxes, including its offices all around the nation, banks, and mobile money services. The GRA also collaborates with other governmental entities and businesses to improve revenue collection and lower tax evasion.
Customs and excise services
The GRA is in charge of managing Ghana’s customs and excise services. Import duties, export duties, excise taxes, and other levies on imported goods are assessed and collected under this. The GRA also upholds laws governing excise and customs, including those governing the monitoring of imports and exports, stopping smuggling, and defending intellectual property rights.
Taxpayer services
The board offers taxpayers a range of services to help them better comply with regulations. These services include taxpayer service centers, registration, outreach, and education activities. To make it simpler for taxpayers to comply with their tariff duties, the agency also offers online services, such as electronic filing of tax returns and payment of taxes.
Tax policy and administration
The board is in charge of creating and carrying out Ghana’s tariff laws and regulations. In addition to ensuring compliance with these laws and reviewing this legislation to make sure it is in line with overall national development objectives, the agency offers advice on the formulation of tax policy.
Tax enforcement and compliance
The board is in charge of enforcing tax laws and ensuring that these regulations are followed. The organization conducts tax evasion investigations, determines overdue fines and interest, and brings tax evaders to justice. To combat corruption, money laundering, and other financial crimes, the GRA also works in conjunction with other governmental organizations.
Revenue forecasting and analysis
Forecasting revenue collections and examining revenue patterns in Ghana are tasks that fall under the purview of the agency. To help the government make financial decisions and support projects for national development, the board regularly reports to the government on income collections.
Summary
In summary, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is vital to raising funds for national development, encouraging adherence to rules, and offering top-notch services to taxpayers. Tax assessment, collection, customs, and excise services, taxpayer services, enforcement and compliance, and revenue forecasting and analysis are only a few of the duties performed by the board. The work of the firm is essential to Ghana’s long-term economic growth and the welfare of its people.
