Through its “Informants Reward Scheme,” the Ghana Revenue Authority has recouped more than $93 million and 421 million from foreign and domestic businesses operating in the nation.
Up to the involvement of these informants, who utilized the Informant Application System to attract the GRA’s attention to the problem, the government was at risk of losing these taxes since the corporations refused to pay them.
So, for taking the initiative, the various informants received hefty rewards.
Acting Head of Intelligence at the GRA, Wisdom Xetor, stated this is a sign that the “Informant Reward Scheme” is successful and should be promoted among citizens when speaking to journalists about the resurrection campaign of the “Informants Reward Scheme.”
“We have recovered more than ¢421 million cedis as well as $93 million so far even before the year could end. So I think the scheme is yielding results and many are providing information that is leading to the recovery of these taxes that could have been lost if this avenue was not provided for them to get information to us about the improprieties relating to tax payments in the country” he said.
The GRA can reward people, persons, or organizations that provide information to them about people or businesses that are dodging taxes. To ensure adherence to the tax regulations, this information is depended upon.
According to Mr. Xetor, who detailed the conditions and payments made to the informants, “informants whose tips lead to recovery below 2.5 million would be paid 25% of interest or penalties, maximum at 25,000.”
They would get 1% of overall collections, up to a maximum of 250,000, when the sum reaches 2.5 million.
The amount to be paid is also decided by top management in cooperation with the board in cases when the amount recovered exceeds $25 million.
But in the event where there are no penalties and interest and the amount recovered is less than ¢2.5 million, a flat payment of between ¢5,000 to ¢25,000 will be paid as Commissioner-General deems fit. Mr. Xetor added that the GRA treats the security of its informant very confidential.
The GRA is hopeful that this policy will motivate many volunteers to provide information that will lead to the recovery of more taxes for the state.