CEPS TARGET ONE TRILLION CEDIS REVENUE

The revenue target for the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) this year is a little over one trillion cedis, Mr. C.C.K. Dzah, Chief Collector in charge of the Eastern Region has announced. Addressing a tax education campaign organise by CEPS at Koforidua last Tuesday, the senior collector asked for public support to enable the service achieve its target. It was under the theme, "Indirect taxes _ revenue mobilisation for national development." He said to help achieve the target, CEPS is organising campaigns to sensitise the public on their tax obligations. Mr. Dzah said the projected revenue for CEPS for 1997 represents about 70 per cent of internal national revenue. Mr. Emmanuel Adu-Boateng, New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive called on members of the public to live up to their tax obligations and responsibilities to help strengthen the country's financial base and improve the living standards of the people. He said it is obligatory for income earners to pay their taxes promptly, adding that "it is our responsibility to ensure that all able citizens in our midst honour their tax liabilities". Mr. Adu-Boateng noted that since tax payment is not a pleasurable exercise, "it is important for the tax agents to demonstrate a very high moral standards by living in a modest way. He therefore advised tax collecting agencies to desist from flamboyant and ostentatious living which tends to dissuade tax payers from honouring their obligations. Mr. Adu-Boateng pointed out that any attempt to evade taxes or underpay taxes will deny the country the needed facilities and amenities including support to the district assemblies. He asked businesses in the region to register with the revenue collecting agencies in order to pay the right taxes to avoid the long arm of the law catching up with them. Mr. Adu-Boateng asked the public to volunteer information on smuggling, tax evaders and those who under-invoice. Graphic