Gov’t threatens to sue delinquent taxpayers

The Inland Revenue Department, which is responsible for collecting taxes on Government’s behalf, has threatened legal action against delinquent taxpayers.

It did so while announcing an amnesty on penalties and interest from March to June this year.

Commissioner at the department Karen Smith-Aaron said all non-compliant taxpayers should file their outstanding 2017 monthly returns by April.

Failure to do so, she added, will result in legal action being taken to recover all outstanding taxes, including payroll tax, self-drive motor vehicle (rental) tax, and hotel accommodation tax.

Smith-Aaron also noted that, under the law, any person who fails to pay taxes due to the Government of the Virgin Islands is guilty of an offence, and is liable on conviction to a fine and/or imprisonment

According to her, installment agreements can be arranged for the payment of outstanding taxes.

“Additionally, during the period March 2017 to June 2017, there will be an amnesty on penalties and interest, meaning that all interest and penalties incurred prior to 2017 will be waived,” the Inland Revenue Department further said.

It added, “Self-drive motor vehicle tax and hotel accommodation tax are due monthly, and must be received by the 15th of the following month. Payroll Tax is also due monthly, and must be received by the 21st of the following month. Penalties and interest are applied for late payment or non-payment of taxes due.”