The Tema Office of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has started a public education campaign to help individuals and businesses better understand their tax duties.
The campaign is being held under the theme, “Know Your Taxes, Pay Your Taxes, Let’s Build Ghana”. It focuses on improving compliance with both tax filing and payment requirements.
Mr Prosper Kwaku Gozah, Assistant Commissioner and Office Manager of the GRA in Tema, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that many people still see tax compliance only as paying what they owe. He explained that filing returns is also a key part of the process.
“It’s not only about paying taxes; you also need to file your returns. The returns show the activities you have undertaken and the tax due,” he said.
Mr Gozah said the GRA has improved its digital platforms to make filing and payment easier. However, he added that taxpayers who struggle with the online system can still receive help in person.
“Those who cannot use the online portal are encouraged to visit our offices for assistance,” he added.
He explained that the GRA manages several important taxes, including Personal Income Tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Gift Tax. The exact responsibility of each taxpayer depends on the type of work or business they do.
For people in the informal sector, Mr Gozah said the tax system has been made simpler. Eligible individuals may pay about three per cent of their income without needing complicated accounting records.
“For structured businesses, they are required to keep proper records of income, expenses, and profits and pay corporate income tax based on their profit,” he said.
He further clarified that businesses are taxed on profit, not total sales. This means tax is calculated after operating costs have been deducted.
Mr Gozah also reminded employers that they are legally required to account for taxes on behalf of their workers.
The GRA said the education campaign will continue throughout the month, which is the period set aside for filing annual tax returns for the previous year.