GRA warns… Mini Vans imported but not registered by May 15 will lose tax concessions

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has noted with concern the lackluster manner in which some taxpayers, especially auto dealers and importers, are approaching the importation, modification, and registration of certain mini vans to be used as public transportation and which are registered in the ‘B’ Series.

Based on an agreement between the GRA and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), small passenger type mini vans such as the Toyota Noah and the Toyota Voxy were allowed to be registered in the ‘B’ series for use as public transportation for a period of five years. This concession was allowed on vehicles imported up to December 31, 2014.
Further, this tax concession was granted with the condition that the vehicles would have been modified to accommodate 10 persons including the driver, within two weeks from the date that the Tax Exemptions/concessions were granted. GRA said while most of the beneficiaries have complied with this stipulation many importers are now defaulting on this agreement. This has led to several hiccups and delays in the processing and finalisation of these concessions with the GRA’s Tax Exemptions, Processing, and Verification Division and information shared with the GPF.
As such, all importers and owners of these mini vans who would have imported such vehicles prior to December 31, 2014, are advised to have their vehicles registered on or before Friday May 15, 2015. Any request to have these vehicles registered after May 15, 2015 will be denied by the GRA and the importer/owner will be required to pay the full difference of taxes owed to the state.
Persons should note that vehicles which have already been registered for use as Public Transportation will be allowed to continue operations for a maximum period of five (5) years.

Moreover, owners of these vehicles are reminded that under the terms and conditions of this agreement, they are required to submit their Income Tax Returns annually to the Post Approval Section of the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division of the GRA, to confirm that they are using the vehicle for public transportation and that they are tax compliant. Failure to comply will result in the non-issuance of future Road Service Licence and the pro-rated taxes will become due and payable.
As was previously stated, in cases where Motor Vehicles which fall under the above category were already registered by the GRA, they must be fitted with not less or more than ten (10) seats. These vehicles will be examined by the GRA before any renewal of their Motor Vehicle Licences, to ensure that they are in conformity with the required standard.
GRA said persons who require additional information can contact the Tax Exemption, Processing, and Verification Division on telephone numbers: 227-6060 Ext. 3500, 3501, and 3502.

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