THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched its upgraded website, www.gra.gov.gy ,  as part of activities in observance of its 11th anniversary yesterday at the City Mall on Regent Street. GRA’s Commissioner General Mr. Khurshid Sattaur, while delivering his remarks, noted that at last year’s 10th anniversary observance, also held in the City Mall, a commitment was made to provide better services to taxpayers  via the use of technology; thus far that has been fulfilled.
He noted that the website encourages electronic filing while ensuring taxpayers  are better informed and promotes a closer relationship between the institution and the public.
Sattaur indicated that it is hoped that the website will aid increases in revenue collection and compliance since the institute has been challenged by government to collect up to $104B in revenue this year.
Application Developer – Information Technology Department, Bibi Khan indicated that the IT department recognised the need for the previous website to be up-graded, hence the commencement of the designing for the new website with assistance from the Communication and Tax Advisory Department.
She noted that it is hoped that the up-graded site will facilitate positive feedback from the public based on the available services provided, while giving taxpayers  the opportunity to access much needed information.
The availability of GRA’s information online fosters compliance by taxpayers  since they will be more aware of the various requirements and regulations.
Information on the procedures for paying taxes, Value Added Tax, income, corporate, property, excise and capital gains taxes, professional fees, customs duty, licensing and exchange rates can be found on the new website.
The GRA was founded following consultations with the Inter-American Centre of Tax Administration (CIAT) and the passing of the Revenue Authority Act #13 of 1996 which facilitated the state of operations at the institution on January 27, 2000. (GINA)