April 30 deadline looms for submission of Tax Returns
THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday hosted four (4) Tax Sites across the country. According to GRA’s Commissioner-General Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, “the Tax Sites began three weeks ago and provided an opportunity for the general public to become more informed about various tax related issues”. The Agency, in a statement yesterday, said the Tax Sites – which were both mobile and stationary – were set up at convenient locations away from the GRA’s dedicated offices catering for persons who were unable to visit same.

At each Tax Site, GRA Officers were available to accept Tax Returns submitted by Taxpayers while helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities.

In the lead up to the April 30, 2011 deadline for the submission of Individual Income and Property Tax, Company Property Tax, Corporation Tax and Capital Gains Tax Returns, efforts were intensified to raise awareness on the importance of submitting Tax Returns.

The Tax Sites were set up in Anna Regina, Charity, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Kuru Kururu, Parika, Linden, around Georgetown at N & S Mattai, City Mall, Customs, Harbour Bridge Mall and Trade Administration, (the Guyana Post Office building) and on the East Coast of Demerara at Qualfon Inc. and Melsha Furniture Store.

GRA made it clear that persons have a statutory obligation to submit the aforementioned Tax Returns. As such, the Commissioner-General noted that “there must be greater commitment on the part of taxpayers to understand their tax responsibilities” and he commended those taxpayers who took the time to visit the Tax Sites.

Saturday April 30, 2011 is the deadline for submission of Income, Property, Corporation, and Capital Gains Tax Returns.

Since the due date is not an official working day, collection boxes will be placed at the Tax Operations and Services department (VAT building) 210 E Albert and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown and at the Internal Revenue Department (GPO building), Robb Street, Georgetown to facilitate persons who wish to submit their Returns by the deadline.

Taxpayers are being encouraged to submit Returns by the statutory deadline to avoid penalties. Tax Sites commenced on April 11 and concludes today.