Revenue authority warns of animal counting imposters

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday said that it had received a number of reports from taxpayers in various regions that a group of persons are posing as GRA/ Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) officials.

In a statement it said that taxpayers within Regions 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), 4 (Demerara/Mahaica), 5 (Mahaica/ Berbice) and 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) have made such reports.

The statement said that the reports have indicated that while purporting to be conducting an official exercise comprising the counting of head of cattle and number of pets owned by farmers and pet lovers, the group then demands an amount of $2,000 Value Added Tax (VAT) for each.

“The GRA wishes to alert taxpayers and to inform them that the Agency presently has no such exercise in place. Anyone who encounters these individuals are advised to request proof of identification since all staff of the GRA are required to carry identification during the course of their duties. Additionally, it should be noted that Officers of the GRA are not authorized to collect monies from taxpayers since all payments of monies should be effected at GRA’s Regional offices or its Headquarters”, the statement said.

The Agency said it has also been taking measures through its Law Enforcement and Investigation Division to address the matter. It added that taxpayers can be assured that the perpetrators, once located, will be dealt with.