…demanding $2,000 per head of cattle
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it has received numerous reports from taxpayers across the country that a group of persons are visiting their communities posing as GRA/Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) officials.
In a statement GRA said complaints have come from mostly Regions Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne). According to GRA the reports have indicated that while purporting to be conducting an official exercise comprising the counting of heads of cattle and number of pets owned by farmers and pet lovers, the group then demands an amount of $2,000 Value-Added-Tax (VAT) for each.
“The GRA wishes to alert taxpayers and to inform them that the agency presently has no such exercise in place. Anyone who encounters these individuals is advised to request proof of identification since all staff of the GRA are required to carry identification during the course of their duties.” Additionally, GRA said that its officers are not authorised to collect monies from taxpayers since all payments should be effected at GRA’s Regional offices or its Headquarters. The revenue agency also said it has been taking measures through its Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) to address the issue. Taxpayers can be assured that the perpetrators, once located, will be dealt with.