GPL implements 3-month VAT exemption on electricity

Among the series COVID-19 relief measures granted by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), there is a 3-month waiver of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity.

To the benefit of all customers of state-owned Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), the VAT exemption that has been implemented will effective from April to June and May to July for pre-paid and post-paid consumers, respectively.

Manager of GRA’s Public Relation Unit Melissa Baird noted that pre-paid customers were able to access the tax break a month earlier than post-paid consumers because their consumption of electricity is immediate.

Baird noted due to the urgency needed to grant the tax break, post-paid customers were unable to enjoy the tax exemption on their April bill.

Therefore, these consumers will enjoy the break until July, the same 3-month tax break as pre-paid customers.

VAT is usually applied to electricity consumption of $10,000 or more. With more citizens at home in light of the gazetted emergency measures, the tax exemption was instituted to cushion the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Department of Public Information)