- unveils iTAPS platform
The Ghana Revenue Authority in its bid to deepen ease of doing business, has unveiled an integrated system to help individuals and businesses file their tax returns and to digitally honour tax obligations.
The initiative known as the Integrated Tax Application and Preparation System (iTAPS), is also meant to help reduce the cost of operations and increase the level of tax compliance by individuals and organizations.
Instructively, iTAPS’s e-service platform will enable taxpayers to prepare, apply and receive annual tax returns, tax clearance certificate and verifications, as well as VAT-withholding tax among other services.
Speaking during a media engagement in Accra on Tuesday, Commissioner General of GRA Mr Kofi Nti, said the system forms part of the authority’s mandate to sensitize the general public on the importance of tax payment as a civic responsibility and a key way for the government to generate revenue.
Mr. Nti explained that April has been earmarked for the filing of taxes and as such, the Tax and Good Governance Week, scheduled to take place between April 5 and April 12, would come off with focus on the new system.
The GRA explained that the platform, iTAPS, is a tax compliance tool which has the potential for raking in more tax revenue for the country and improving the efficiency and customer friendliness of the country’s tax administration system.
“We appeal to the media to continue cooperating with the GRA by reiterating the tax collector’s mandate to make tax systems efficient” Mr. Nti noted.
At the event, a team demonstrated the usage of the software for various GRA services.
The software requires a log-in account with tax identification number (TIN), any recognised national identification card and a password as prerequisites to sign up to the platform.
A representative of the iTAPS team, Mr George Lutterodt, gave an assurance that the system has been ISO certified and, therefore, meets all the security standards to protect the data of applicants and also prevent all forms of cyber threats.
The platform, which is currently operating on a URL website, is secured by an HTTP certification.
The iTAPS platform also provides for payments through the mobile financial services such as Mobile Money.
The platform is expected to be rolled out on mobile apps and would be compatible with Android and iOS devices to ensure easy accessibility.
By Wisdom Jonny-Nuekpe