…to avoid heavy penalties
By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is reminding all businesses and individuals to file their tax returns by April 30, 2025 to avoid heavy penalties and interest charges.
According to Mr. Victor Akogo, Chief Revenue Officer-Domestic Tax Revenue Division, GRA, defaulters will pay a penalty of GH¢500 for late filing and an additional GH¢10 for each day the delay continues.
Mr. Akogo made these remarks while speaking to the Eye on Port programme, where he explained the importance of GRA’s ongoing ‘Tax and Good Governance Month‘ initiative.
He said April was chosen for this campaign because it is a crucial month when, by law, all individuals and entities that have earned income must submit their tax returns.
“We encourage everyone to file their tax returns by April 30th this year. Filing on time helps you avoid penalties and unnecessary interest,” he stressed.
According to him, the company is not only seeking to enforce the law but also help taxpayers enjoy the many benefits of proper tax filing.
Some of these benefits include access to personal reliefs such as marriage relief and child education reliefs.
He however said that individuals who do not file their tax returns on time miss out on these benefits.
“It is a taxpayer’s duty under Article 41J of the 1992 Constitution to honestly disclose their income to the appropriate authority, which is the GRA, and pay the taxes due,” he added.
On the challenge taxpayers face, Mr. Akogo mentioned that many people misunderstand the filing deadlines… especially when due dates fall on weekends or holidays. He advised that they should always file before these dates.
He also indicated that the company has moved to an online self-service system via the www.taxpayerportal.com platform, allowing people to file their returns from anywhere without visiting its offices physically.
“Today, by the click of a button, you can file your tax return online. Whether you earned income from employment, business or investment, you must file,” Mr. Akogo said.
The Chief Revenue Officer explained that a tax return is simply a declaration of income earned, whether from employment, business or investment – and added that anyone who has received income is required to report it to the company.
Also, he encouraged those who have overpaid their taxes to apply for refunds.
“If you have overpaid, we will refund your money within 90 days after proper assessment; but you must first file your tax return,” he explained.
Talking about online businesses, Mr. Akogo said GRA now has an e-commerce department that monitors businesses operating online.
“The e-commerce department now tracks businesses selling online. Those who fail to register, file their returns, or pay taxes will face strict enforcement and penalties,” he warned.
Moreover, he said: “Those who have not filed their taxes in past years are encouraged to use the Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme to regularise their status and potentially have penalties waived. For the 2025 filing season, taxpayers are expected to file returns for the 2024 income year.
“Taxes are the lifeblood of the nation. By filing your tax returns honestly and on time, you are helping build a better Ghana for us all.”
GRA is running several activities across the country as part of the Tax and Good Governance Month. These include tax clinics, stakeholder engagements, webinars and education campaigns at regional offices, malls such as the Accra Mall and Teshie Mall, and other public places. These events aim to educate people about their tax obligations and assist them in filing correctly.
