Mr. David Lartey Quarcoopome, Chief Revenue Officer at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has confirmed that taxpayers must register with the tax authority before fulfilling their tax obligations. This fundamental requirement ensures taxpayers are properly integrated into the tax system. The GRA sees this registration as the essential first step for tax compliance across Ghana.
Mr. Quarcoopome, who is also Project Coordinator at the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), explained that registration forms the basis of tax compliance. It is a necessary condition for filing tax returns and paying taxes. Accurate information provided during registration ensures the tax system functions effectively. This mandate affects all individuals and businesses earning income in Ghana.
This directive from the GRA aligns with Ghana's ongoing efforts to broaden its tax base and improve tax collection efficiency. Ghana's government relies heavily on domestic revenue generation to fund development projects and public services. A robust and expansive tax register is critical for achieving these fiscal goals. Improved tax compliance directly supports the national budget, which has faced pressures from global economic shifts and domestic spending needs.
Mr. Quarcoopome stated on June 23, "The first and foremost thing to realise is that taxpayers must file returns. But if they must file returns and pay taxes on time, then the information they provide must be accurate." He further stressed, "Registration is the key. The first point of obligation is to register. You must be in the tax system." This message was part of the GRA’s Connect series, designed to educate the public on tax laws.
Going forward, businesses and individuals must ensure they are registered with the GRA to avoid penalties. The GRA’s proactive deployment of officers to identify unregistered entities indicates heightened enforcement. This ongoing push for registration could lead to a significant increase in the number of taxpayers and subsequently, an increase in domestic tax revenue. Businesses registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) must also charge VAT on taxable supplies and issue invoices for every transaction. This issuance of invoices is a critical accountability measure. Effective tax administration is vital for Ghana's economic stability and growth. All stakeholders should anticipate stricter adherence to these foundational tax requirements.