NCCE collaborates with GRA in a tax sensitization exercise

The Cape Coast Metropolitan Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has embarked on a paired mission with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Office in the area to sensitize the populace on issues pertaining to tax.

The aim of this activity, which took place on a radio station based in the jurisdiction, was to enlighten the masses on the various types and sources of taxes, the concepts of tax avoidance and tax evasion, procedures involved in filing tax returns and extensions, as well as the overarching essence of tax vis-à-vis the country’s development.

The session revealed that an individual or a business is deemed to have evaded tax if there is a deliberate attempt to illegally hide or misrepresent income or returns in order to reduce tax liability, setting this apart from the concept of tax avoidance.

Thus, while touching on tax avoidance, emphasis was put on the fact that legal strategies within the existing tax laws, including taking advantage of deductions, credits, and exemptions, are used to reduce the amount of tax an individual or business owes.

But it is essential to note that any country that is bent on keeping to the path of development, in one way or the other, heavily relies on the regulatory fees, levies, and other forms of fiscal contributions from its citizens, who, on the other hand, must be responsible enough to fulfill all such financial obligations.

Individuals who called into the programme to share their thoughts and seek clarification also expressed utmost appreciation to the team for such an insightful engagement, indicating their readiness to exhibit good citizenship traits through the payment of their taxes.