Speaking at the launching, the commissioner general of (GRA), Yankuba Darboe, said that taxpayers’ charter is one of the most important deliverables under GRA Strategic Plan 2022 – 2024. He noted that the Authority has indeed come a long way in its drive to offer best service delivery to taxpayers through the taxpayer education programme.
According to CG Darboe, since the inception of the Authority, the Directorate of Technical Service tirelessly embarks on sensitising taxpayers on their rights and obligation as provided in the revenue laws administered by the GRA.
CG Darboe further stated that taxation is the largest source of government revenue and therefore, plays a key role in financing government programmes including education, health, social protection and infrastructure to name a few. “The mobilisation of revenue collection is therefore critical in the development of our country,” he said adding that as a tax administration, “we are aware of the fact that we are operating in a challenging environment by asking people and businesses alike to part with their hard earned money through the payment of taxes.”
“This situation has been further worsened by the continuing negative impacts of COVID19 and most recently the Ukraine war all of which are contributing to higher cost on both the business community and the population consuming their products and service.”
“At the level of GRA, we are doing our utmost to address many of these challenges that affect processes that will ensure that our taxpayers enjoy the best of service in comfort and with minimal cost.”
“Indeed, over the years, GRA has demonstrated its ability to serve as a key pillar in supporting the government's development agenda through effective revenue mobilisation. This achievement has been achieved through a consistent focus on reforms aimed at modernising revenue management processes both legal and administrative.”
“The launching of the Taxpayers’ Charter will make GRA service more transparent and accountable to the public whilst at the same time, outline the roles and responsibilities of the taxpayers.”
The charter outlines three important benefits for taxpayers. “Firstly, this charter explains the rights and obligations of taxpayers as provided in the revenue laws with a view to promote the cordial relationship between GRA and its taxpayers.”
“Secondly, the charter further stipulates the fundamental service standards that will be implemented to achieve quality service delivery through adopting tax administration best practices, which allows the partnership with taxpayers or stakeholders to grow and thereby improve tax administration.”
“Thirdly, it is also expected to build a customer service culture that strengthens partnership between GRA, taxpayers and other stakeholders for the benefits of either parties.”
Also speaking at the event was the minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mambureh Njie. He commended the GRA for proposing the “brilliant initiative” in developing and launching the Taxpayers’ Charter, which outlines the obligations and rights of “our esteemed taxpayers. This initiative by GRA is indeed laudable and worthy of commendation.”
Aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in the revenue mobilisation system, the charter defines the rights and obligations of taxpayers as defined by the GRA Act 2004 {2010 as Amended], Income & VAT Act {2012}, Customs and Excise Act {2010} and other revenue laws administered by the Authority.
