Public calls for more information on new tax

Cape Coast, Oct 6, GNA - Commercial vehicle operators in the Central Region on Thursday called on officials of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to enhance awareness about the 15 days' grace period given them before the renewal of their income taxes as permitted under the new vehicle income tax (VIT) system.

The drivers said due to the lack of adequate information about this concession, they normally have problems with the police who often impound their vehicles, even at the weekends, when they cannot get access to the offices of the IRS to renew their taxes.

The operators made the call at the re-launch of the tax stamp system introduced by the IRS to facilitate the payment of income taxes by small-scale entrepreneurs such as hairdressers, dressmakers, butchers, chop and drinking bar operators and artisans.

The system, which was introduced last year, was suspended and reviewed to make the rates affordable for the target groups. Other participants called on the IRS to put in place a task force to ensure the payment of taxes by "petty night traders" whom they claim make a lot of money but do not pay any taxes.

Reacting to concerns expressed by the commercial vehicle operators, the Regional Director of the IRS, Mr Eben Osabutey, said the police have been informed about the 15 days' grace period given to commercial vehicle operators under the VIT, but gave the assurance that they would be reminded about it.

He also assured participants that the service would step up education on the tax stamp system and ensure that all the weaknesses identified were addressed and urged the participants to endeavour to display their respective stamps at their premises.

It would also collaborate with the police to start the collection of taxes from those who trade in the night as well as on Sundays, particularly in the Cape Coast municipality. He advised all small-scale enterprises to embrace the tax stamp system to enable them benefit from tax relief. 06 Oct 06