The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) recently conducted an outreach on the Essequibo Coast to sensitize residents on the operation of the Value-Added Tax (VAT).

According to a release from the GRA, the two-day outreach on September 18 and 19 was conducted by staff of the Communication and Tax Advisory Services Division of the GRA.

During the visit officials conducted a workshop, hosted a television programme and visited businesses.

The workshop was conducted on September 19 at the Arabian Hotel Conference Hall at Anna Regina, and featured information on the computation of VAT, zero-rated items, as well as the eligibility of businesses to charge the tax.

Residents were able to clarify issues relating to Pay As You Earn (PAYE), income tax, motor vehicle registration and compliance certificates.

On the programme which was aired on RCA television on September 18, the release said, residents called in to air views on the discussions which related to smuggling, the rationale for VAT, zero-rated items and the computation of VAT.

According to the release, GRA officials then visited businesses at Henrietta, Affiance, Anna Regina and Charity where they conducted advisory and compliance exercises.