GRA says has taken steps to address coronavirus threat

In response to the concern of its many stakeholders in relation to the threat of the Covid-19 (Corona virus), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is assuring the general public that the Authority under advice from the Ministry of Public Health, has implemented and will continue to improve the necessary precautions so as to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for both its staff and taxpayers who do business at its various offices.

In a release yesterday, the GRA advised that with respect to the current political climate and the Covid-19 pandemic, it continues to offer all tax related services at its headquarters and Integrated Regional Tax offices (IRTO) while taking the necessary health-related precautions.

The Authority also advises the general tax-paying public that PAYE taxes and advance taxes for corporate taxpayers were due on March 14th and 15th respectively, while VAT and self-employed taxes are due on March 24th, 2020 and April 1st, 2020, respectively.

In acknowledgement of March 14th and 15th, being weekend days, GRA says it had declared that the due date for these payments were extended to Monday, March 16th, 2020. However, being cognisant of the effects of the combined pandemic/political situation, which may not allow for taxpayers to meet the respective due dates for payment and filing, the

Authority advises that waiver of interest and penalties will be considered on a case by case basis.

However, taxpayers are reminded that they may utilise the Authority’s e-filing services as well as its payment relationships with financial institutions.

According to the GRA, every effort will be made to ensure that its mandate of providing services to the taxpaying public will be discharged “regardless of all obstacles, man-made or otherwise,” and that any changes to the times of operations or the services rendered will be communicated to all stakeholders in a “timely” manner.