The Compliance and Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has underscored the importance of companies issuing Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices, emphasizing that the failure to do so constitutes a criminal offense punishable by law.
Joseph Annan, the Area Enforcement Manager of GRA responsible for Accra Central, stated that the unit would step up its enforcement efforts to crack down on businesses that do not provide tax invoices or issue invoices not authorized by the Commissioner-General.
Annan noted that some businesses were issuing their own VAT invoices, while others were selectively issuing them. He explained that the penalties for such violations, as stipulated in the VAT Act, include fines of up to one hundred penalty units, imprisonment for a period of not more than six months, or both.
Additionally, businesses may be required to pay a penalty of an amount not exceeding GH¢50,000 or three times the tax amount involved.
He also warned, “Customers who attempt to evade this enforcement cannot escape the law, as they will be apprehended unexpectedly.”
In a recent operation, the GRA team conducted visits to various businesses in the Ayawaso West Municipal District, including Hansen Decor City, Boost Electronics, De’lish Restaurant, Heiress Flair Boutique, Max pro-Auto Parts, Relay Express Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services, Julie-Joan Enterprise, House of Fabrics, Dong Chebe Kretons, Fresh Angels, Gi-Fred Enterprise, Milans Star Fabrics, and About Office Ghana Limited.
Out of these businesses, ten were officially summoned for investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Unit of the Ghana Police Service, while two shop managers were arrested as a preventive measure.
As reported by asaasenews.com, these managers were subsequently taken to the customs office at the headquarters to provide their statements before being handed over to the CID.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
