E-VAT implementation not in limbo, but in rollout phase — GRA clarifies

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clarified reports that the implementation of the Electronic Value Added Tax (E-VAT) system is in limbo.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 8, the GRA said the E-VAT rollout is ongoing as planned and is not stalled as reported in some section of the media.

"The rollout of the E-VAT system is being conducted using a phased approach," the statement signed by the GRA’s communication department said in part.

It added that an initial pilot phase saw VAT revenue grow by over 58%, representing additional contributions in excess of GHs 384 million.

"Electronic VAT invoicing efficiency contributed to a revenue impact of GHs 124 million, accounting for 32% of this increase," the GRA further noted.

The tax body disclosed that the initial rollout phase, which targets large taxpayers accounting for 80% of VAT contributions, is currently ongoing. This first phase is scheduled to run from April 22 to May 31, 2024.

"Initial results from Phase 1 onboarding have been highly encouraging, with a 175% progress rate so far, as measured against weekly onboarding targets," according to the GRA statement.

It emphasized that the E-VAT system implementation is on course to be completed in phases, with medium and small taxpayers scheduled to begin migrating to the platform by the end of December 2024.