The
commissioner general of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has warned that the
era of compromise for tax evasion and non-tax compliance will be a thing of the
past as the Authority has been tasked by government to collect D12.4 billion in
2020.
Yankuba
Darboe, who was speaking to journalists on Monday, hinted that 2020 will be a
turning point for GRA in the interest of national development.
Mr. Darboe
said the Authority is ready to intensify the fight against tax evasion in 2020
as part of their mandates.
According to
him, GRA was established by Act of Parliament and that part of its role is to
administer, assess and collect tax.
He added that
GRA remains ever committed to ensuring that it plays its rightful role in
mobilising the required financial resources for the realisation of national
development goals.
The
commissioner general recalled that GRA was tasked by the government to collect
10.7 billion in 2019, disclosing that they collected more than the set target.
He said to
achieve this year’s target, GRA must implement its mandates without any
compromise. He, however, added that GRA is open for negotiation in making
payment plans as a compromise.
Mr. Darboe
made it clear that any company that is exempted from paying tax should
endeavour to bring that document for verification or else they must pay tax.
He emphasised
that it is not the wish of GRA to close down companies, saying that all what
they want is voluntary tax compliance from companies who need to pay tax.
“We have to
follow the law to make sure that people pay their tax on time. And if you
don’t, we will know, and we will come to you one day,” he warned.
“We are here
to encourage businesses” and we give free advice to business owners. “We give
all kinds of encouragement and we facilitate trade in this country free of
charge,” he said. He added: “However, we do that without compromising the
principle. What you need or suppose to pay, make sure you meet that obligation.
And if you don’t pay, “we will give you advice. But, two or three steps in
default, we will take action which will not be a desirable step.”
