Accra: The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has renewed its call on businesses to maintain proper records and fulfill their tax obligations on time in order to promote national development and improve business transparency. Mr. Richard Ajago, Assistant Commissioner and Office Manager of the Spintex TSC, stated that the tax clinic was aimed at sensitizing taxpayers on the importance of compliance, particularly in the area of recordkeeping and the transition to online filing.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ajago emphasized that taxation thrives on recordkeeping, and without records, income and allowable expenses cannot be determined. He highlighted the risks of not maintaining proper books, especially for business owners who are not physically present to monitor their operations, as it could lead to unnoticed underground dealings.
Mr. Ajago noted that many business owners failed to recognize how critical basic bookkeeping was, not only for tax purposes but also for overall business management. He explained that tracking sales, expenses, purchases, and operational costs gave a clearer picture of profit margins, which in turn informs tax assessments.
The Assistant Commissioner also addressed the importance of filing tax returns before making payments, emphasizing that the two must go hand-in-hand. 'Filing returns creates the space for payment. If you don't file, how do you pay?' he asked. He acknowledged that although many taxpayers now use the GRA's online platform to file returns, timely payment still lagged behind.
'We are encouraging all taxpayers to not only file online but also to ensure payments are made promptly. That's the only way GRA can meet its revenue targets to support national development. Without taxes, no nation can develop,' he added. Mr. Ajago assured participants that GRA remained committed to improving service delivery and making tax compliance easier through digital platforms and continuous taxpayer education.
