The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) says that it is moving to improve systems for taxpayers utilising its services and even now, some transactions can be done online.
The GRA made the statements in response to a letter by Louis Holder which was published in the last Sunday Stabroek. Holder had bemoaned the archaic and inefficient procedures at government agencies including at the GRA. In relation to the tax agency, among other things, he had written about having to move to multiple windows just to pay taxes and had outlined some onerous requirements. He also highlighted the “go and come back” attitude of employees, which, he said, showed no appreciation of time and travel costs for the taxpayer.
In a statement, the GRA thanked Holder for bringing to the attention of the Commissioner General the current procedures in place as they relate to the payment of taxes, the submission of returns, and the requirements related to different businesses, and the treatment of incorrect and incomplete returns.
The tax agency revealed that it has signed a contract with DataTorque “to replace the archaic TRIPS system and such (duplication) will thereafter be something of the past.” It said that in the meanwhile, in order to avoid the hassle of queueing, payments can be made via Mobile Money and returns can be e-Filed via the GRA’s website, www.gra.gov.gy, with a lodgment receipt printed thereafter. “E-filing will also reduce errors since the incomplete or incorrect returns would not be accepted,” the statement said.
It added that the GRA, in its thrust of improving efficiency, constantly reviews its Standard Operating Procedures and would welcome such constructive criticisms and suggestions from the general public. “All taxpayers are stakeholders, and upon review of the system, I endorse Mr Holder’s comments that the procedure can be more efficient, thereby allowing for less effort and time spent at the GRA by the taxpaying public,” the statement said.
The GRA invited Holder to visit/write the agency and make any suggestions that can be utilised in improving the service relationship with the taxpaying public.
