Ghanaians struggle to acquire Tax Identification Numbers

A lot of Ghanaians continue to get frustrated in their attempt to register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN), despite the wide public education.

TIN was introduced by government to track tax obligations and payments as a way of shoring up its domestic revenue generation.

As a result, all persons and entities who have any dealings with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), are required to register for a TIN for free of charge from any GRA office.

Government has also warned that individuals without TIN will be deprived of some essential services and social intervention programs.

But it seems listeners who called into the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday are yet to come to terms with the unnecessary  pressure and frustration that comes with what government has imposed on them.

Some also took to social media to express their disappointment over the bottlenecks that have characterized the issuance of the numbers.

Others also alleged that some officials of the GRA, demand payment for the service which is supposed to be free.

“At the Tamale Regional Office, if you do not pay Ghc 10.00 after registration, your TIN will never be given to you.  They are still doing it, so what officials are saying are not factual.”

@benkoku I went to Legon GRA early this year to register for VAT. When I asked the gentleman to give me timelines when I should have it done he told me he’s a busy man so he can’t say. I walked out and never returned. #CitiCBS

— Mantse (@GHbeSomeway) November 22, 2018

“Getting access to your TIN is becoming a problem. Government should make it accessible by opening up units to enable us do it.”

Very disappointing with the submissions of the GRA officer – Mr. Kwasi Bobie-Ansah. We need to get serious in crucial national policy implementations. How can you start implementations of such important national project with excuses! Lets serve Ghana better. @benkoku #citicbs

— K. Amofah (@K_amofah) November 22, 2018

“In February this year, my husband and I went to register at the Adentan Office. My husband acquired his the following day, but the officials told me mine was not ready. This November, I went back and they are told me they are unable to get any records of mine.”

@benkoku I’ve tried using the ONLINE platform to register for the TIN and it never worked. I’ve tried both my drivers’ license and voters’ ID but it constantly told me ID is invalid. I tried for 3 other people too but it never worked. #CitiCBS

— dixon oppong (@kodixin) November 22, 2018

“We in Damango can’t do the registration. One has to take a vehicle to Tamale to get it done. We want to do it, but the office is not here.”

I don’t have an Issue with the TIN ( TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
What I have an issue with is how can someone apply in May and still be told that it ain’t ready after many follow-up whiles we are in November?? Our system really need to be effective. #CitiCBS

— jennifer aba amos (@Jenniferabaamo1) November 22, 2018

“I applied six months ago. I have not received my TIN. They asked me to reapply. When I insisted, one gentleman demanded that I send him some cash through mobile money or he would curse me.”

The GRA should issue statements to the general public not to pay for TIN and how to report persons who extort monies from the unsuspecting public. This shouldn’t be hard. #citicbs

— oyoo (@OyooQuartey) November 22, 2018

GRA to address challenges soon

Meanwhile, Kwesi Bobbie Ansah , Deputy Commissioner in charge of Communications at the GRA, has admitted the challenges that have bedeviled the issuance of the TING.

He gave assurances that the GRA will open more administrative offices across the country to fast track the process.

“Under normal circumstances, it shouldn’t take someone more than three days to get their TIN after applying, and we don’t have offices in all administrative districts in the country so going forward, we’ll look at opening a few more offices.”

He also advised applicants to make use of the online platform created for the registration to ease the pressure at the district offices.

“People can register for their TINs online to reduce the pressure at the offices.”

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By: Nii Larte Lartey | citinewsroom.com | Ghana

Follow @lartelartey

The post Ghanaians struggle to acquire Tax Identification Numbers appeared first on Citi Newsroom.

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