Tax
is an integral component in any nation’s development. It is more than just a
source of revenue and growth.
In
a nutshell, it plays a key role in building up institutions, markets and
democracy through making the state accountable to its taxpayers. Thus, stronger
and cleaner tax systems help development initiatives in any community or state
at large.
It
is true that developing countries need aid and will continue to do so, but they
can also use it to help strengthen their tax capacity, increase their autonomy
and reduce their long-term dependence on external assistance.
The
recent COVID-19 pandemic has hit global economies, which in fact appears to be
heading to an unchartered territory. It’s being reported in the news that due
to the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus (covid-19) worldwide, the management
of The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken a giant step in its bid to
support taxpayers in the country. The move is not only commendable, but came in
as timely, taking into account that communities are struggling to come to terms
amid Covid -19 outbreak, coupled with the public state of emergency.
What
is more alluring is the fact that the authority has taken a broader move to
downsize its staff capacity per WHO recommended safety measures. In addition,
it has also extended the deadline for the filing of the 2019 annual tax return
and the payment of final 2019 tax for two months. These are all laudable moves
considering the tight and stiff condition many households and even institutions
are currently working under.
Another
important move is the Authority’s resolve to support government in the fight
against the spread of the deadly pandemic in the country. The government needs
more support now than ever and GRA and other institutions coming on board to
support government is indeed commendable. We hope other institutions would
emulate them, as government can’t do it all alone, thus the need for
partnership.
The
authority in a release has also suspended all field compliance enforcement
activities. However, it is also appealing to those who are able to file and pay
their taxes on time, despite the challenges, to do so to help support
government during these difficult times.
“Money
is not real. It is a conscious agreement on measuring value.”
John
Ralston Saul