Taxes serve as sources of revenue to governments which are expended on public projects.
What then are taxes? A compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers' income and business profits, or added to the cost of some goods, services, and transactions.
It is however an offence punishable by law when one refuses to render his or her tax obligation.
Taxes are in various forms basically classified into both direct and indirect taxes and some of the taxes paid in Ghana include the Corporate Tax, Personal Income Tax, Tax Stamp, Gift Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Rent Tax, Mineral Royalties, Communications Service Tax, Value Added Tax (Vat) and National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL).
The government also charges special taxes and levies on products and services such as fuel, electricity, Television viewing, imports, exports and many more.
MAJOR NPP 2016 CAMPAIGN PROMISE
Ghanaians overwhelmingly bought the manifesto of the NPP by voting for the party and its presidential candidate, now President Nana Akuffo Addo based on major campaign promises geared towards the massive development of the country and its citizenry. These promises includes; One District One Factory, One Village One Dam in the three Northern Regions, One Million Dollars for each District, Free SHS and many others.
Undoubtedly, we believe that with good management and economic prudency, these promises and more are achievable. However, we are quick to state that, these promises needs capital injection from the state through taxes and investments; be it local or foreign.
Ghanaians must be oriented to understand that no one than themselves can make Ghana the paradise they seek. For this reason, while the government intends reducing the tax burden on businesses to make them more productive and efficient in order for them to increase their capacities, we also suggest the introduction of a new taxes such as the Religious Tax (RT) or Social Bodies Taxes (SBT).
This tax when introduced must include churches, mosques and all other recognized religious bodies in the payment of direct taxes.
Religious Tax
Religion is the belief in the worship of a supernatural controlling power (God) especially a personal God or Gods. The body or institutions that aid the worship of the supernatural controlling power is what we call religious bodies. These bodies include the Christian faith, Islamic faith, Traditional faith and others.
Ghanaian Religious Contributions
Collection of tax or revenue has been insufficient to generating revenue for the government. Over the years, there has been complaints from the quarters of ministers and financial experts on the slim nature of our tax net and how government continues to burden businesses and identified tax payers when it increases taxes.
Considering the huge proceeds accruing from religious bodies, payment of tax from these religious bodies would be another way of widening the tax new and increasing government revenue. In Ghana, individuals have the right to form and join any religious body. This has led to the ever increasing number of religious bodies in Ghana from the charismatic to the orthodox, the traditional associations and so many more. Just as the bible requires every Christian to pay tithes to help build the church, it wouldn’t be wrong if religious bodies refuse to contribute to nation building by allocating a some percentage of what the earn during service and pay as tax.
In most of the religious bodies, its members pay dues, welfare, tithes, day born offering, and special offertory and so on. some even engage in trade by selling oil, soap, water, just to mention a few, all of these are done without any amount being paid to the state.
Is it wrong for these religious bodies to pay tax? Our answer is a bigger NO. Considering the large number of religious bodies we have in the country and the profits they accrue on daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly basis. We strongly recommend that, every religious body that operates within the State registers with the Registrar General Department and given special Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) to enhance tax collection. In this regard, the tin would be submitted to Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for compliance. To affect this, there should be a Parliamentary Legislation to ensure religious bodies from rank and file of this nation honor the payment of religious tax and failure to adhere to such directive attracts a special penalty, which can include closure.
To conclude, the introduction of such a tax would not be without its own challenges and opposition. However, for the interest of the better Ghana that we all dream of, Government, Citizens, Foreign partners, Investors, Religious bodies and Stakeholders have a second view and consider accepting the implementation of the Religious Tax not as a burden but rather a means of raising more revenue for nation building.
Considering the relevance of taxes to assisting the government with revenue to undertake public projects, we cannot dispute the fact that any further addition to our tax revenue is a positive step. To increase the tax base, inclusion of a Religious Tax is a step in the right direction and we would be glad to see it implementation.
EAGLE EYE INTERNATIONAL
We’ll no longer tolerate your empty, unwarranted attacks – TUC blasts Prof Adei
Bawumia donates GHc200,000 to support Madina fire victims
IMF to disburse US$360million third tranche to Ghana without creditors MoU
Truck owner share insights into train collision incident
Paramount chief of Bassare Traditional Area passes on
Two teachers in court over alleged illegal possession of BECE papers
Sunyani: Victim allegedly shot by traditional warriors appeals for justice
Mahama vows to scrap teacher licensure exams, review Free SHS policy
Government will replace burnt Madina shops with a new three-story, 120-store fac...
