National Revenue Authority: Sierra Leone Tax Enforcement Notice September 2024

• The National Revenue Authority (NRA) announced a sealing off exercise in the Western Area Rural District to enforce tax compliance among GST-registered businesses.
• Taxpayers who had not complied with Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Withholding Tax, and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) were also subject to enforcement measures.
• The exercise aimed to bring all unregistered businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), into the NRA tax register by October 16th, 2024.

The successful registration of all rented property and unregistered businesses depends on the level of cooperation from taxpayers and the public.

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has announced a sealing off exercise aimed at ensuring tax compliance among businesses operating in the Western Area Rural District. The exercise, which was announced to commence on September 17th, 2024, and conclude on October 16th, 2024, targeted GST-registered businesses that had failed to issue GST receipts and use Electronic Cash Registers (ECRs). Additionally, taxpayers who had not complied with Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Withholding Tax, and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) were also subject to enforcement measures. The NRA emphasizes the importance of cooperation from taxpayers and the public in ensuring a successful registration process for all rented properties and unregistered businesses.

The sealing off exercise was in line with Section 155A of the Income Tax Act 2000, as amended, and Section 50(1) of the GST Act 2009. These provisions aim to improve revenue collection and uphold accountability in Sierra Leone's tax system. The exercise aimed to bring all unregistered businesses, particularly Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), into the NRA tax register.

The enforcement exercise, which was scheduled for September-October 2024, highlighted the importance of tax compliance for businesses operating in the Western Area Rural District. Lawyers and compliance officers were advised to review their clients' tax obligations and ensure timely registration to avoid penalties. The successful registration of all rented properties and unregistered businesses depended on the level of cooperation from taxpayers and the public.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that this notice indicates an upcoming enforcement exercise aimed at ensuring tax compliance, which may impact businesses operating in the Western Area Rural District. They should advise clients to review their tax obligations and ensure timely registration to avoid penalties.

Source: Original reporting via National Revenue Authority (NRA)