Tax returns can now be filed online

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched an electronic services (eServices) platform to enable individual taxpayers and companies to submit tax returns online.

After signing up to enable access, you can file monthly and yearly tax returns dealing with Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Individual Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Individual Company and Property taxes, and Value Added Tax (VAT) via the website https://eservices.gra.gov.gy.

In a statement Wednesday, the Revenue body said the online provision follows the amendment to Section 3 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01 which gives jurisdiction to the Commissioner-General to “authorise the use of electronic technology” and also “require electronic, documents and electronic signatures.”

It noted that the launch comes at an opportune time as employers are required to submit Employers Returns/Form 2 (a list of their employees’ names, payments, allowances and tax deductions) before February 28.

The employers can simultaneously make use of a utility capable of converting the said content into accurately completed income tax returns for each employee in bulk “pdf” format. Employees can thereafter uplift the forms from their employers, include other sources of income, if any, affix their signature and thereafter submit to the GRA using the drop box system.

The GRA is encouraging taxpayers with multiple sources of income, those who have been approved for Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) and others who file returns on their own volition, to sign up to eServices in order to file with ease and convenience.

The body has also commenced sensitisation sessions have commenced to ensure employers are fully au-fait with the system.

It will further move to provide assistance to various taxpayers at Information Communication Technology (ICT) hubs across the country through a partnership with the E-Governance Unit.

The filing of Income Tax is a requirement of the law.