The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) calls on individuals who have imported overage or smuggled vehicles through unapproved routes to come forward and take advantage of its tax amnesty before the September 30 deadline.
This initiative, part of the Tax Amnesty Act, aims to enhance voluntary tax compliance and broaden the tax base by allowing taxpayers to rectify their obligations without penalties.
Launched on August 1, 2024, the amnesty allows those who have defaulted on their tax duties to declare their vehicles and pay only the necessary duties, VAT, and other taxes.
Justice Njornan Magah, Supervisor of the Vehicle Valuation Unit at the Customs Head Office, emphasized the importance of compliance during a media engagement at Nungua, Accra, as part of the GRA’s Tax Education Month.
Magah urged vehicle owners, including those who have used temporary importation permits or unapproved routes, to come forward.
“We encourage people to comply with the tax laws. GRA wants those who have not complied to declare their vehicles. We will assess the duties and taxes due, and penalties will be waived,” he said.
The GRA promotes voluntary compliance, particularly among individuals who misuse temporary importation privileges.
Magah warned that the GRA’s operations team will use diagnostic machines to detect unpaid duties or tampered vehicle details, potentially resulting in a 300% penalty for non-compliance.
The tax amnesty, included in Section 652 of the Revenue Administration Act, has historically been an effective revenue-raising tool.
Magah also warned that unregistered vehicles found after the amnesty period will be detained and possibly auctioned if not claimed within 30 days.
He clarified that vehicles would not be confiscated if owners came forward during the amnesty period.
Starting October 1, 2024, GRA Customs Division officials will conduct nationwide road surveillance to identify and apprehend uncustomized vehicles.
