GRA says…
– increased revenue collection expected in New Year
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it has managed to reduce the problem of smuggling to “a controllable level”, and has recouped millions in revenue from interceptions and raids made by the GRA’s enforcement section.

And in relation to corrupt practices carried out by some GRA staff, the Commissioner-General Mr. Kurshid Sattaur has warned that he will continue to adopt “a no-nonsense approach” to this practice.

The GRA, in a statement yesterday, noted that its new information technology system, costing in excess of US$6M through support given under a loan agreement, has strengthened GRA and is a safeguard against fraud and corruption.

GRA said that in 2009, it adopted a more functional approach of administering taxes so as to increase its capacity to obtain higher levels of efficiency and effectiveness that lends to the creation of a more service-oriented organization to serve the public better.

“Despite the many challenges that presented themselves, such as some Media operatives who continue to write and report negatively about the organization, we are expected to perform much better in revenue collection in the coming year, since we have seen an increase in compliance by most categories of taxpayers as the organization is engaged in activities to inform, educate and assist taxpayers to understand their responsibilities and obligations, with respect to the various Tax Acts,” the GRA stated.

The Authority said it has now been fully re-organized which forms part of the GRA’s component of the Government of Guyana/Millennium Challenge Corporation, Guyana Threshold Country plan /Implementation project.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sattaur said he would like to thank all taxpayers who have honoured their tax obligations to the GRA by paying their taxes on time, as well as to the hardworking and committed staff at the GRA. ON this note, he extended best wishes to their families for an enjoyable and happy holiday season.