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The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a public notice declaring the immediate cessation of the 1% Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), effective April 2, 2025. This announcement follows President John Dramani Mahama’s assent to a series of bills passed by Parliament, which repealed several taxes, including the controversial E-Levy, deemed burdensome by the current administration. The President’s action fulfills a campaign promise to eliminate these taxes, categorized as nuisance taxes implemented by the previous government. The GRA’s statement emphasizes the immediate nature of the E-Levy’s abolishment and mandates all charging entities, including banks, mobile money operators, and other payment platforms, to cease deducting the levy from electronic transactions.
The GRA’s directive to charging entities underscores the importance of immediate compliance with the new law. It explicitly instructs these entities to halt all E-Levy deductions across all platforms, ensuring that no further charges are levied on electronic transactions from April 2, 2025 onwards. This clear directive aims to prevent any further collection of the now-defunct tax and protect consumers from unwarranted charges. The GRA’s proactive approach in communicating the change reflects its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing any potential confusion or disruption.
Furthermore, the GRA has empowered consumers to actively participate in enforcing the E-Levy’s abolishment. The authority has urged the public to report any instances of continued E-Levy deductions occurring on or after April 2, 2025, directly to the charging entity responsible. This empowers citizens to hold businesses accountable and ensures that the repeal is effectively implemented across all platforms. This participatory approach reinforces transparency and encourages public engagement in overseeing the implementation of the new tax regulations.
To facilitate a seamless refund process, the GRA has directed charging entities to promptly process refunds for any E-Levy deductions made after the effective date of abolishment. This directive underscores the authority’s commitment to rectifying any erroneous deductions and ensuring that consumers are not financially disadvantaged during the transition period. This prompt refund policy demonstrates the GRA’s dedication to upholding consumer rights and maintaining public trust in the tax system.
The GRA has emphasized its commitment to collaborating closely with all charging entities to ensure full compliance with the new amendments. This collaborative approach aims to facilitate a smooth transition and address any practical challenges that may arise during the implementation process. The GRA’s proactive engagement with charging entities reflects its commitment to providing guidance and support, ensuring a coordinated and efficient implementation of the E-Levy abolishment.
In summary, the abolishment of the E-Levy marks a significant shift in Ghana’s tax policy. The GRA’s clear and decisive actions, including the immediate cessation of deductions, the public call for reporting continued charges, the directive for prompt refunds, and its collaborative approach with charging entities, demonstrate a commitment to effectively implementing the new law. This comprehensive approach aims to protect consumers, ensure transparency, and uphold the integrity of the tax system. The repeal of the E-Levy fulfills a key campaign promise and reflects the government’s responsiveness to public concerns regarding the tax burden.
