Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Tax reform in The Bahamas ...particularly the introduction of a brand new system of taxation ...cannot succeed without the advancement of a focused and widespread education campaign

DNA Press Release - VAT Education BEFORE Taxation!




Branville McCartney, Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader
Value Added Tax (VAT) experts hired to advise the Christie administration on the implementation of the proposed tax regime have, this week, confirmed the long standing position of many local business owners as well as the Democratic National Alliance (DNA). That position? That tax reforms in the Bahamas – particularly the introduction of a brand new system of taxation – cannot succeed without the advancement of a focused and widespread education campaign.

According to comments attributed to both John Shewan and Don Brash which ran in the local dailies this week, the government of New Zealand, which has arguably had the greatest success in VAT implementation, attributes the success of that initiative in part to their commitment to an 18 month educational program.

Unfortunately for Bahamians, we have received no such commitment from this administration. For months, the government, while on one hand promising to launch such an educational campaign, has on the other hand, allowed the uncertainty associated with VAT to negatively impact plans for expansion within the private sector. Even now, just 63 days from the originally proposed implementation date, this administration has yet to table the accompanying legislation. They have instead chosen to bully local business owners into compliance with a system that very few people currently understand.

The Democratic National Alliance finds it particularly interesting that some of the recommendations from the government’s highly paid consultants are in fact similar, if not identical to the suggestions offered by members of the local business community. Outside of the obvious recommendation for a properly planned and executed education campaign, the tax experts – according to media reports – also suggested that the government finalize its tax design before beginning its VAT campaign in earnest.  So far, unfinished versions of the government’s tax plan which includes a list of exemptions which may or may not be part of the final plan have been leaked through the media and allowed to further muddy the waters on this matter.

The DNA asserts that this administration could have easily saved itself thousands of dollars in consultancy fees by simply listening to the collective voice of the men and women responsible for driving the local economy.

Also of note was the position that a Freedom of Information Act is imperative to the successful implementation of a VAT system. The DNA has long called for the passage of this key piece of legislation as a means of facilitating the free flow of information to the public as well as keeping our elected officials accountable.

The DNA firmly believes that like in New Zealand, the passage of such legislation in the Bahamas will work to establish a renewed trust and faith in this government’s plans for fiscal reforms. While the Democratic National Alliance believes in, and is committed to tax reforms, we simply cannot endorse the government’s handling of this effort thus far.

We hope now, that after hearing the recommendations from an outside source, the Christie administration finally takes the necessary steps to ensuring that any fiscal reforms enacted are implemented with a view to stabilizing the economy and improving the government’s relationship with the private sector.


Branville McCartney
DNA Leader on Facebook

April 29, 2014

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions result in a higher rate

New Zealand Vat Success Due To ‘Education, Almost No Exemptions’



By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net




NEW Zealand Value Added Tax (VAT) experts emphasised yesterday that a strong education campaign and “virtually no exemptions” are responsible for their country’s successful implementation of VAT.

John Shewan, an Adjunct Professor of Accounting at the Victoria University of Wellington and one of the experts expected to give the Bahamas government a report on implementing VAT next month, said: “The reason our education campaign was so successful was because their was a commitment to an 18-month educational programme, six months of which was prior to the implementation date, but the most important things happened 12 months after the implementation because there were a series of detailed explanation programmes targeted at all kinds of groups.”

He added that ideally, the Bahamas government, which is still seeking reports from the private sector before finalising its VAT plan, should actively promote VAT only when the tax’s design has been finalised.

He said it took six months of intense education programmes before VAT was implemented in New Zealand following the finalisation of its makeup and legislation.

Don Brash, the former governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, added that the compliance cost of VAT is low in New Zealand because “everything was taxed at the same rate and virtually no exemptions were given.”

VAT exemptions are sometimes made for certain items and services in order to alleviate the burden that the “regressive” tax may have has on the poor.

However, the New Zealand tax consultants said the government should seek other ways of helping the poor.

To help the poor of New Zealand, he said the country’s government makes direct payments to low income families through tax credits.

The question of who deserves those credits, however, is controversial, he said.

“If you have a large number of exemptions your rate has to be higher. With a smaller number of exemptions the rate will be lower. We found that the one rate, no exemptions framework worked extremely well,” said Mr Brash.

The two experts said that ultimately New Zealand’s government recorded a revenue intake that far exceeded its expectations following their tax reform.

April 25, 2014

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

The regressive nature of value added tax (VAT) ...and its corresponding effects on the purchasing power of the populace ...in particular the middle and lower classes in a society

The Fiscal Reform Series: A model VAT implementation

In the midst of the continuing debate on fiscal reform in The Bahamas, we must keep our eyes on the prize (and the price) and not forget the ultimate goal of embarking on this important venture.

The fundamental purpose of the fiscal reform exercise is to reduce the government’s recurrent deficit, curb and control expenditure, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tax administration and restore our debt-to-GDP ratio to a more healthy position while ensuring that the country experiences economic growth and development.

It must be reiterated that if it decides to, The Bahamas will not be the first jurisdiction on the globe to implement Value Added Tax (VAT) and will probably not be the last to do so. There has been considerable discourse on the experiences of other nations that have implemented VAT, with Barbados being referenced from time to time, although the opinions on its level of success have been diverse.

It is noteworthy that Singapore and New Zealand have been touted as success stories in the introduction of VAT. This week, we conclude this series with a look at what model VAT implementation would entail and whether it is possible in the Bahamian context.

Fiscal reform and the tax component

In the case of The Bahamas, there has been a consistent call for the better administration of existing taxes and improvement of compliance with the same. Additionally, stakeholders including the private sector have called for better management of government expenditure with specific recommendations for target reduction in public spending.

The importance of economic growth in the overall equation has also been highlighted during public discourse. The vital message from opponents and commentators on VAT has been the need to focus more on a comprehensive fiscal reform program than on tax reforms aimed at increasing government revenue.

There is no doubt and we all agree at this point that reforms are mandatory and urgent action is required. The interesting point in this debate is that the aforementioned points are all elements of the government’s fiscal consolidation plan. This suggests that both sides appear to be on the same page in relation to the approaches to be taken to address the country’s fiscal imbalance.

However, the bones of contention seem to be the order in which the plan is implemented, the ability of the government to execute the plan and the selection of new taxes and measures to enhance government revenue.

The ideal VAT implementation

The general consensus among consumption tax experts is that this form of taxation works best when it has the broadest base possible and a single or common rate for all supplies. Ideally, the need for tax reform will not only be echoed in words by relevant stakeholders but also supported by their actions.

While skepticism over government initiatives aimed at raising revenue is to be expected, there will be general buy-in among the entire populace based on the financial circumstances of the country. For its part the government would also have done a decent job in explaining the reasons for the necessary reforms and the consultation as well as the education processes would be comprehensive including all stakeholders while providing ample time for feedback and rollout of the tax.

The reality however is that this is often not as easy as it seems due to the normal reaction of the private sector and the entire public to the imposition of taxes in general and the implementation of new taxes in particular. When considered in addition to the politicization of tax reforms and the fear of political backlash by the government of the day, this issue becomes even more complicated.

The Singapore experience and The Bahamas’ reality

The experiences of several countries that have implemented VAT or a similar consumption tax show that it is an efficient and effective form of taxation from the government perspective. The often referenced inbuilt compliance/self-policing feature of VAT, stability as a source of revenue and lesser susceptibility to economic cycles continue to be the main reasons for its success rate.

Like The Bahamas, discussions on tax reform in general and the goods and services tax (GST), which is identical to VAT, had been taking place prior to the implementation of the GST on April 1, 1994.

Singapore had issued a White Paper in February 1993 although their government had a draft bill by 1991. The introduction of GST in Singapore was accompanied by a reduction in other taxes including corporate and personal income taxes, among others.

The adjustment of taxes and tax rates as well as grants continued in the years after GST was introduced. It is important at this juncture to state that Singapore enjoyed fiscal surpluses as a percentage of GDP in the year prior to, and the year following the introduction of GST.

Under Singapore’s GST system, only exports are zero-rated while certain financial services as well as the sale and lease of residential properties are exempt. In essence, Singapore was able to maintain a very broad base for the GST.

The introductory registration threshold under Singapore’s GST was SGD 1,000,000 (approximately USD 800,000) and the standard rate was 3% with a commitment not to increase the same within the first five years. It should be noted that Singapore projected that its revenue would be negatively impacted during the transitional period with a return to revenue neutrality subsequently.

In comparison to The Bahamas, Singapore was enjoying economic growth and budget surpluses and was therefore in a much better financial condition when the GST was introduced. Hence, The Bahamas, stuck between a rock and a hard place, cannot afford a transitional period of revenue negativity for the government.

Additionally, the high registration threshold and low GST rate were possible due to the existence of a myriad of other taxes which were reduced to accommodate the new tax in Singapore. Unfortunately, our precarious financial condition and the composition of our economy do not allow for a similar approach. Finally, unlike The Bahamas, one single political party – the People’s Action Party has dominated Singapore’s politics since independence in 1965 gaining significant standing over this period.

The impact on standard and cost of living

Any discussion on VAT will likely include reference to its regressive nature and the corresponding effect on the purchasing power of the populace, in particular the middle and lower classes in a society.

While the government has indicated that certain items (including bread-basket items and other essential services) will be exempted either in their entirety or subject to an established threshold, the concerns remain among consumers. Representatives of the government, by their own admission, recognize that their efforts to boost the level of public awareness and the education of individual consumers have not been stellar.

It remains very important that any revisions to initial proposals be circulated well in advance of the implementation date and a more effective education program be launched and properly executed.

In December 2013, the Financial Secretary indicated that the government will expand social safety net programs by $30 million in the first year that VAT is introduced to provide transitional relief to those that would be unfairly impacted by the new tax. The expansion, according to the government, would last for the first three to five years following the implementation of VAT.

While the adequacy of the increased allocation to welfare programs is subject to scrutiny, this compensatory measure, which is aimed at mitigating the impact of VAT on the poor, differs from the approach taken by countries such as New Zealand, Australia and Canada due to the existence of other forms of taxation.

In the case of New Zealand, targeted family support income tax credits and welfare benefits via the Guaranteed Minimum Family Income (GMFI) were pivotal in presenting the case for the implementation of consumption tax due to the reduced impact on families with low incomes.

Upsides of VAT?

The obvious expected boost in government revenue, projected reduction in our national debt and recurrent deficit as well as maintenance of our sovereign rating as a result of the introduction of VAT have been reiterated by various commentators. While these benefits are necessities, are there any other additional or potential advantages that could accrue to The Bahamas and Bahamians as a result of VAT?

Will the effective nature of VAT be considered as a part of a bigger reform of existing taxes with a view to replacing the less efficient multiple taxes in existence? Will the introduction of VAT increase the overall tax compliance rate for The Bahamas?

Will the equitable aspect of VAT lead to a redistribution of resources within the Bahamian economy in the long term? What impact will VAT have on the ease of doing business in The Bahamas in the long run? With the successful implementation of the government’s fiscal consolidation plan, can we expect a reduction of other taxes and duties in the long run?

The government will do well to address these questions as part of the education process. Singapore’s GST system was modeled after that of New Zealand in relation to the broad base and single rate. Hence, the proposed discussion between stakeholders in The Bahamas and New Zealand should be instructive and enlightening.

• Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com

April 22, 2014

thenassauguardian

Monday, April 21, 2014

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) is doubtful that this Perry Christie led Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administration ...is capable ...or interested in keeping any of its promises to the Bahamian electorate

DNA says: PLP Late Again!





Branville McCartney - Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader
DNA Leader - Branville McCartney
The PLP’s approach to governance since taking office in 2012 has left much to be desired. In what has seemingly become their modus operandi, this government has proven time and time again that it is unfit to oversee the affairs of the nation. Despite numerous public assurances that they would aggressively tackle the country’s many pressing issues, this PLP administration has proven itself dysfunctional, unfocused and incompetent; failing to meet their own legislative deadlines on issues relative to tax reform, a Freedom of Information Act, gaming, crime and countless other policy initiatives such as job creation, all while reneging on the countless promises made while in opposition.

Most recently, the Minister responsible for referendums Bernard Nottage admitted the government’s failure to set a definitive date for the proposed constitutional referendum. Shortly after taking office, the Prime Minister offered grand pronouncements of the government’s plans in this regard in which he set a November 2013 date.

The Constitutional Commission headed by renowned local Attorney Sean McWeeny did an excellent job in securing public feedback and reviewing the various aspects of the constitution which deserved attention; eventually compiling an impressive and comprehensive report which was presented to the government well in advance of its initial target date. Their work is certainly to be commended. True to form however, Mr. Christie showed no follow through and was forced to push the date to June of 2014.

How disappointing! Rather than use the additional planning time wisely however, this administration has again squandered the better part of this year focusing on trivial and insignificant matters and will by all indications, be forced to postpone the vote for a second time. While these revelations are certainly disappointing, they are far from surprising, particularly considering the ineffective nature of this administration.

Would the additional time not been ideal to launch the promised education campaign on the issue? Where is the so called commitment which the Prime Minister pledged to removing all vestiges of discrimination against women from the country’s constitution? This apparent lack of focus and political will is only further evidence of the careless and flippant disregard the PLP and members of this administration have shown and continue to show for the contributions of Bahamian women in this country.

Further, the Bahamian public ought to be reminded that the former PLP Administration commissioned a constitutional Commission to review the Constitution headed by the late Paul Adderley. Recommendations were made and true to form NOTHING HAPPENED!

Even more disappointing, is the fact that this is not the first time that a Christie led government has floundered on the planning and execution of a referendum. One need only think back to the disastrous January 28, 2013 referendum on Gaming which was also delayed as a result of the government’s failure to plan appropriately. First, this administration failed to properly educate the voting public on the impact of a legalized web shop industry, while refusing to consider addressing existing laws which discriminate against Bahamians in their own country. Then, rather than respecting the wishes of the Bahamians who voted, this administration has shown a deep disrespect for the democratic process and has chosen to proceed with the legalization and regulation of the industry anyway.

The Democratic National Alliance is doubtful that this administration is capable or interested in keeping any of its promises to the electorate. It appears that the Prime Minister and his band of merry men have stopped caring about their duties for the betterment and advancement of the country. The government must get serious about its responsibilities and abandon this LATE AGAIN and less than mediocre style of governance. The Bahamian people must demand and expect good governance from the party they elected.

Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
Facebook

April 21, 2014

Friday, April 18, 2014

The Question Of Medical Marijuana Use in The Bahamas

The Question Of Recognising Marijuana For Medical Use



Tribune242 Editorial:



THE use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, says National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage, is a knotty issue that will soon have to be debated. Government is now feeling the pressure as the police discover more and more fields of marijuana growing in remote areas, not only on New Providence, but in the Family Islands, particularly Grand Bahama.
 
For example, only last week police discovered — and destroyed — a marijuana field hidden off the beaten track in east Grand Bahama. There they uncovered 75,000 marijuana plants worth about $7.5m. In March, another field was found with 167,000 plants. This field was worth $17m.
 
Jamaica has already announced that it intends to decriminalise marijuana by the end of the year, while other Caribbean islands have it under consideration. California, for example, as have other states in the US, have taken the plunge. However, the use, sale and possession of marijuana in the US is still illegal under federal law, although some states have created exemptions. Two states, for example, Colorado and Washington, have legalised cannabis for recreational use after a referendum won the day.
 
It has been suggested that the Bahamas recognise the medical benefits and also decriminalise this aspect of the “weed”. But how will this be policed without opening it up to the general public? There are those, judging by the comments of several Bahamians on Tribune242 who want the Bahamas to commercially enter the field of marijuana production and start reaping millions. This would be a tragic error. Bahamians who lived through the “drug years” know that the social and criminal problems that this small nation faces today took root in the seventies and eighties. Those were the years that drugs destroyed our society, our youth and undermined our whole value system.
 
It is true – as most countries argue— that too much is being expended on trying to crush the trade, which despite the effort, seems to find new routes to escape the law. Legalise it, they say, save the cost spent on trying to crush it, and rather use what is saved on enforcement to educate our youth as to its dangers.
 
The Foundation for a drug free world (drug free world.org) has this to say about the dangers of marijuana use.
 
“The immediate effects of taking marijuana include rapid heart beat, disorientation, lack of physical coordination, often followed by depression or sleepiness. Some users suffer panic attacks or anxiety,” says the report.
 
“But the problem does not end there. According to scientific studies, the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, remains in the body for weeks or longer.
 
“Marijuana smoke contains 50 per cent to 70 per cent more cancer-causing substances than tobacco smoke. One major research study reported that a single cannabis joint could cause as much damage to the lungs as up to five regular cigarettes smoked one after another. Long-time joint smokers often suffer from bronchitis, an inflammation of the respiratory tract.
 
“The drug,” says the report, “can affect more than your physical health. Studies in Australia in 2008 linked years of heavy marijuana use to brain abnormalities. This is backed up by earlier research on the long-term effects of marijuana, which indicate changes in the brain similar to those caused by long-term abuse of other major drugs. And a number of studies have shown a connection between continued marijuana use and psychosis.
 
“Marijuana,” the report continues, “changes the structure of sperm cells, deforming them. Thus even small amounts of marijuana can cause temporary sterility in men. Marijuana use can upset a woman’s menstrual cycle.
 
“Studies show that the mental functions of people who have smoked a lot of marijuana tend to be diminished. The THC in cannabis disrupts nerve cells in the brain affecting memory.
 
“Cannabis is one of the few drugs which causes abnormal cell division which leads to severe hereditary defects. A pregnant woman who regularly smokes marijuana or hashish may give birth prematurely to an undersized, underweight baby. Over the last 10 years, many children of marijuana users have been born with reduced initiative and lessened abilities to concentrate and pursue life goals. Studies also suggest that prenatal (before birth) use of the drug may result in birth defects, mental abnormalities and increased risk of leukemia 1 in children”.
 
All this is true. However, it has also been found that marijuana is the only cure for certain ailments.
 
For example, Dr Sanjay Gupta, a US nuerosurgeon and CNN medical commentator, who did an article on why he would “vote no to pot”, decided to take time off to study the subject more closely. Much to his surprise what he found caused him to change his mind — at least in the case of medical marijuana. He found that there are certain very serious ailments that only marijuana can cure. In these cases he learned that marijuana was a “plant that can work wonders.” He has apologised to his TV viewers for his earlier position on marijuana, coming to the conclusion that no one who needed the weed for medical purposes should be denied it.
 
It was also found that casual marijuana smoking — with the emphasis on “casual” — was not harmful to the lungs.
 
However, the popular television doctor, still has some reservations.
 
“I do want to mention a concern that I think about as a father,” he told his TV audience. “Young, developing brains are likely more susceptible to harm from marijuana than adult brains. Some recent studies suggest that regular use in teenage years leads to a permanent decrease in IQ. Other research hints at a possible heightened risk of developing psychosis.
 
“Much in the same way I wouldn’t let my own children drink alcohol, I wouldn’t permit marijuana until they are adults. If they are adamant about trying marijuana, I will urge them to wait until they’re in their mid-20s when their brains are fully developed.”
 
The pros and cons of this subject are difficult. The Bahamas with its own tragic experience for so many years will have to go slowly and think deeply before taking the plunge on this one.
 
April 16, 2014
 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Paralyzed by fear in The Islands of The Bahamas Paradise

The Bahamas - Still Paralyzed by Fear



DNA Press Release:



Over the past two weeks, newspaper headlines have recounted horrific stories of violence, murder and mayhem which have gripped communities here in New Providence and on Grand Bahama Island; cementing crime and the fear of crime as one of the country’s most pressing national issues. What these disturbing newspaper articles also reveal though, is that this current administration is clueless about how to make our paradise safer.

Many Bahamians will recall the many promises made on the campaign trail. Television commercials which boasted that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) had the answer to the country’s rising crime concerns. In fact, many Bahamians will also recall the placement of massive billboards across New Providence which detailed what, at the time, were staggering and disturbing statistics on murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and other serious crimes. Those billboards placed in plain view of residents and visitors alike as an indicator of what the PLP, then in opposition, called the failures of the FNM government.

In their Charter for Governance, the PLP outlined a series of plans which they assured Bahamians would restore law and order to our societal landscape. Since taking office however, it has become painstakingly obvious that those campaign promises to stifle criminal activity across the country, were merely that – promises. Since May 2012 plans like Project Safe Bahamas, and Urban Renewal 2.0 which had been touted as key elements of this administration’s crime fighting efforts, have had lackluster results at best.

This government, which campaigned and won the election by convincing Bahamians that they were prepared to govern on day one, has failed at every turn in bringing any real solutions to the country’s crime problem. In fact, the country’s murder rate is said to be 36% higher today, than it was during this same period one year ago. The criminal element has become even more emboldened by the government’s inaction, targeting Bahamians of every socio-economic status, including the Deputy Prime Minister.

Instead of enacting a result oriented plan of action which should include the reintroduction of capital punishment, the proper management of police resources, combined with significant physical and legislative upgrades to the judiciary, the Ministers responsible for the country’s National Security often appear defensive and combative when questioned about their obvious failures in this regard.

The government’s apparent inability to make the necessary changes to its legislative agenda on crime, has also fueled undue speculation and criticisms of the commitment of the executive arm of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to fighting crime in the Bahamas.

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) commends Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade and the entire Police Force for continuing to do what is undoubtedly a very difficult job, under very extreme circumstances.

Unfortunately, the efforts of our police force continue to be thwarted by government interference. As proven by the Prime Minister’s handling of the mortgage affairs of his friend and tax evader Ishmael Lightbourne, the PLP continues to use its political influence to interfere in the administration of justice on the part of their political cronies, family members and friends.

The time has come for the government to untie the hands of the Police and allow them to carry out their duties to protect and serve without political interference! Until such time, we in the Bahamas will continue to live in paradise but be paralyzed by fear.

April 16, 2014


Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
Facebook Page

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a major component of the government’s fiscal reform program

The fiscal reform series: A deeper dive into VAT


The analysis of the best taxation model and the appropriate mix of taxes for The Bahamas is far from over as we await the final study commissioned by the government and the results of the work done by Oxford Economics – a global advisory firm engaged by the Coalition for Responsible Taxation (Coalition). It is encouraging to see that the government seems to have kept its promise to work with the private sector in the fiscal reform exercise.

While we await the findings of the referenced studies, it would be unrealistic to conclude that value-added tax (VAT) will not be a major component of the government’s fiscal reform program. It is a known fact that the issue of tax reform, in general, and the implementation of VAT, in particular, have been considered for several years and by multiple administrations. Hence, considerable work and analysis ought to have been conducted prior to the selection of VAT as an appropriate form of taxation, even though the general public is not privy to the specific details of such prior analysis. As the clock ticks and the plot thickens on the government’s fiscal adjustment agenda, we take a closer look at this form of taxation, what is being proposed and where we stand today.

The general nature and details of VAT

VAT is an indirect tax; that is, it is a form of tax that is collected by an intermediary on behalf of the government or revenue agency from persons (either individual or corporate) that bear the ultimate tax burden. In essence, the payer of the tax is often different from the ultimate bearer of an indirect tax. Indirect taxes are therefore also defined by the ability of the taxpayer to shift the tax burden.

It is noteworthy to state that the difference between direct taxes and indirect taxes was first discussed at length by Adam Smith, who is regarded as the father of modern economics. In his classic work, “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,” which is abbreviated as “The Wealth of Nations,” Smith articulated extensively the concept of indirect taxes and the impact on necessaries and luxuries, noting the similarities between indirect taxes and direct taxes with the former falling on the consumer, ultimately.

VAT is a consumption tax that is essentially levied on consumers and what they consume. A key objective of introducing VAT, as indicated by the government, is to broaden the tax base, and the choice of VAT is intended to achieve this as the country seeks to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), which requires the reduction of tariff rates. This goal is consistent with the general consensus among a number of economists and public finance experts that consumption tax should be planned with the widest base and positive rate possible.

The VAT rate and revenue

The white paper issued by the government in February 2013 suggested the implementation of VAT at a standard rate of 15 percent with a proposal to have a special rate of 10 percent, exempt supplies and zero-rated supplies. The draft VAT Bill and Regulations were consistent with the white paper in this regard. The export of goods and services are expected to be zero-rated which means that 0 percent VAT will be charged by the supplier and the VAT paid by the supplier can be recovered from the government.

It is proposed that basic food products, soap and laundry detergent, electricity and water supplies based on established thresholds will be exempt from VAT. Exempt services include, among others, insurance services, domestic financial services not provided for an explicit fee, medical services, education services, daycare and after-school care, domestic travel and services provided by a facility to persons in need of care.

It is important to state that companies offering exempt services or supplies will incur VAT on their inputs, but will not be able to directly charge their customers or consumers VAT; hence, their prices may be adjusted to compensate for the increase in the cost of production. It has been further proposed that a special (reduced) rate applies to a supply made in accordance with the regulations by a hotel or similar establishment registered and licensed by the Hotel Licensing Authority; this is presumably to minimize the corresponding impact on the tourism industry.

We know that the minister of finance has indicated that VAT will be introduced at a rate lower than the proposed 15 percent. However, numerous utterances from officials from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) have also made it clear that the choice of the initial rates was based on the revenue needs of the government. On the one hand, revenue from VAT on goods is intended to replace revenue lost from the reduction in tariff rates. On the other hand, VAT revenue derived from the service sector was expected to provide the government with approximately $200 million in additional revenue. In light of the foregoing, it is logical to conclude that a lower rate of VAT will reduce the expected revenue and the projections will need to be adjusted. Luckily, MOF officials have indicated that they have conducted multiple projections based on lower VAT rates.

A tale of VAT studies

By the end of the debate on VAT, there will have been at least four studies conducted by different stakeholders in The Bahamas to ascertain the impact and suitability of VAT for the country. The stakeholders in this regard include the government, the Coalition and the Nassau Institute. The conclusions of the first two studies were different and subject to much scrutiny as well as criticism.

It is a generally accepted notion that the conclusions of research and studies are sometimes skewed towards the client or financier of the study. This does not in any way diminish the credibility of the people carrying out the study, neither does it suggest their lack of professionalism. However, the nature of research is such that it depends on a range of data and variables which are analyzed based on the mandate of the individual or entity commissioning the study. In essence, it is very unlikely that the findings of Oxford Economics will totally favor the government’s proposals and go against the Coalition’s position. The same applies to the new study ordered by the government. In spite of this expected variance, when read in full, the details of both reports should be identical based on the reputation of the individuals conducting the studies and the fact that the same source data is being used.

Conclusion

The decision to introduce VAT at a lower rate has been welcomed by the private sector, although some remain vehemently opposed to this form of taxation. It is encouraging to see the relevant stakeholders come together to ensure that the best formula for fiscal reform success is implemented in The Bahamas with constructive debate on the proposed VAT regime being a major part of this process. It is incumbent upon all parties to be mindful of the four maxims highlighted by Adam Smith in relation to taxes in “The Wealth of Nations.” The maxims cover topics including the need for subjects of every state to contribute support to the government based on their abilities; the importance of certainty in relation to the time and manner of payment as well as the amount payable; the necessity of convenience to the taxpayer in remitting payment and the adoption of a philosophy that takes out or keeps out of the pockets of the people as little as possible over and above what it brings into the public treasury of the state.

Consumption tax is not a new phenomenon and has been implemented in several jurisdictions across the globe. While there has been considerable discourse on the experiences of other nations that have implemented VAT, Singapore and New Zealand have been touted as success stories in the introduction of VAT. Next week, we will take a look at these countries with a view to determining how we can benefit from their VAT implementation story and whether differences in our circumstances allow for a fair comparison.

• Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

April 08, 2014

thenassauguardian

Saturday, April 12, 2014

The issue of Haitian migrants and persons of Haitian descent living in The Bahamas

Call To Stop Discrimination


Haitian migrants in The Bahamas



By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net


THE Bahamas government must work to address discriminatory practices towards persons of Haitian descent who apply for regularisation, an official from the Haitian Embassy said yesterday.

Wallenson Nobert, first secretary of Legal Affairs at the Haitian Embassy, charged that the “real problem” faced by the Haitian Bahamian community in the Bahamas stems from the absence of a clear legal framework to process migrants.

In response to a panel discussion hosted by the College of the Bahamas on the complex issue of statelessness within the Bahamian context, Mr Nobert challenged that the use of the term “stateless” to describe unregularised persons of Haitian descent was “inappropriate” given Haiti’s citizenship laws.

However, Mr Nobert said there was an inherent “hypocrisy” in the Bahamas’ handling of citizenship that allowed for a peculiar stratification of rights, adding “either you’re a part of a country, or you’re not”.

Led by Dr Ian Bethell-Bennett, associate professor in the School of English Studies, presenters focused on the effectiveness of citizenship and related immigration policy, and its application in respect to Haitian migrants and persons of Haitian descent living in the Bahamas.

The panel discussion is the second of its kind for the college, which hosted the first panel on the issue in 2012.

COB student Fiona Joseph argued that the regularisation process has deferred the dreams of many persons of Haitian descent born in the Bahamas, who are forced to wait until they are 18 to begin a lengthy application process.

Ms Joseph gave a personal account of her regularisation process as an individual born in the Bahamas to Haitian parents in her presentation entitled, Stateless and (Ba)Haitian in The Bahamas.

She admitted that she did not apply for Haitian citizenship because it would have further complicated her bid for Bahamian citizenship by forcing her to seek naturalisation instead.

Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell confirmed to The Tribune that the government does not issue certificates of identity.

He said: “I do not believe that there is a large group of stateless people. What we have is people born to foreign parents who don’t want to get the passport of their parents. We have stopped issuing certificates of identity.”

In his presentation entitled “Statelessness: Real or Imagined?” Dr Bethell-Bennett charged that while states argue over whether or not statelessness exists, and what type, the reality remains that a large group of people in the Bahamas are trapped in a “grey zone”, disfranchised and unable to access basic rights attached to citizenship.

The large population of unregularised persons represents a critical national security issue, according to Dr Ian Strachan, COB’s vice president of Advancement, who stated that progress on the issue has been stalled because of citizenship’s value as a political bargaining chip.

In his presentation, “Ugly Politics: Haitians and Power in the Bahamas”, Dr Strachan argued that immigration policy and procedures have been used for political advancement over the last 30 years, perpetuating negative stereotypes towards persons of Haitian descent while exploiting the migrant community during the election period.

Presenter Stephen Aranha, assistant professor in the School of Social Sciences, provided a critical review of citizenship as defined by the Bahamas constitution, and the recommendations given by the 2012 Constitutional Commission.

Although Haitians represent the largest migrant community, Mr Aranha argued that Immigration processes in the Bahamas were arbitrary, and open to legal uncertainty for all migrants.

Haiti’s constitution affords individuals born of a “native born” Haitian parent automatic entitlement to citizenship, if they choose to accept it, according to Mr Nobert, who encouraged individuals of Haitian lineage to seek assistance from the embassy regardless of their status.

However, presenters argued that the law is not clear on whether or not this right is passed on to third generation descendants whose parents were not born in Haiti, or have no legal documentation.

Presenters called for the government to either lower the age requirement for persons to begin applications for citizenship, or do an overhaul of the requirements to bring them in line with migration realities.

Mr Nobert’s comments echo concerns raised by the United Nations Human Rights Council, most recently the need for strengthened reporting mechanisms and statistical research on migrant communities in the Bahamas.

April 11, 2014

Thursday, April 10, 2014

The Bahamas government is awaiting feedback from the Public and private sectors ...to determine whether there is a viable alternative to Value Added Tax (VAT)

FNM Senator: Bahamas Not Ready For VAT


By Jones Bahamas:



The government has yet to reveal the introductory rate or date for implementing Value Added Tax (VAT), but an Opposition politician is convinced The Bahamas will not be ready by the initial proposed timeline of July 1.

In fact, Free National Movement (FNM) Senator Kwasi Thompson said this is “highly unlikely.”

“The government has not done enough to educate the public and I also ask the questions – are the necessary infrastructure in place? Have all the necessary persons being hired? Have all the necessary persons being trained? Most businesses are still unsure how it works and how it will affect their businesses. There are many issues in terms of VAT,” Senator Thompson said.

Flying in the face of ongoing backlash, the government is pushing ahead with VAT, a tax reform system the Christie Administration insists is needed to expand the country’s revenue base and one that is critical to preserving the country’s confidence as a secure and attractive destination for investment, which can be achieved “no other way.”

Finance experts have repeatedly stressed that to ignore such fiscal planning imperatives would be at the country’s peril.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has branded the country’s current tax system as both inefficient and inequitable.

It is the government’s intention to register only businesses with a turnover exceeding $100,000 per annum, thereby avoiding the “entanglement of smaller business in the system of VAT collection and filing.”
According to Mr. Christie, the government would still capture well over 95 per cent of the total turnover in the economy in this way.

“Focusing on the larger firms will also ease the administration of the VAT,” he has said.

But Mr. Thompson lamented the fact that in its present form, the VAT bill requires businesses to file papers on a monthly basis, a process he described as “onerous.”

“What is even more egregious is that the payment of VAT is required 21 days after the work is completed or the bill is submitted and that is whether you have been paid or not,” he said.

“I believe this bill will be disastrous for small business, who do not receive payment for services immediately after their work is completed or do not receive payment immediately after their bill is submitted. In fact, the bill that is submitted sometimes for the service is not always the bill that will be paid. So, I believe even before we get to implement this process, these are the kinds of things that must be looked at must be addressed.”

The government is awaiting feedback from the private sector and the public before actually determining whether there is no viable alternative to VAT.

The Bahamas Hotel Tourism Association is pushing a Smart Tax.

Meantime, the Coalition for Responsible Taxation also believes there are options other than VAT including implementing a payroll tax.

The group is compiling a report on its recommendations.

April 09, 2014

Bahama Journal

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Value Added Tax (VAT) would likely change the retail grocery industry in The Bahamas “for the worst” ...says Philip Beneby, the Retail Grocers Association’s president

Vat 'Straw To Break Back' Of Food Retail




By NEIL HARTNELL
Tribune Business Editor
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net


Food prices would have increased by more than 7 per cent under a 15 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT), with a sector body warning this tax in any form will be the “straw to break the back of our industry”.

Philip Beneby, the Retail Grocers Association’s president, in a February 2014 letter to the Coalition for Responsible Taxation, warned that VAT would likely change the industry “for the worst”, pointing out that a net eight food stores had closed across New Providence and Grand Bahama since 2009.

The letter, obtained by Tribune Business, has come out as the food retail and wholesale industry prepares to hold another meeting today with Shane Gibson, minister of labour and national insurance, over potential price control reforms to mitigate VAT’s impact.

Mr Beneby, speaking to this newspaper yesterday, confirmed the meeting amid industry hopes of an increase to the 43-year gross margin on price controlled items of 18.67 per cent.

“We are hoping we have a positive response from him in that regard, as far as the increase to the price control gross margin,” he told Tribune Business. “We are looking for, pushing for a mark-up increase from 23 per cent to 39 per cent. That’s what we’re pressing for.”

In his letter to Coalition co-chair Robert Myers, the Retail Grocers Association president said price control restrictions “meant that our businesses are slowly being strangled”. The 18.67 per cent permitted gross margin fell well short of the 25 per cent cost structures maintained by many retailers, turning these items into loss leaders.

The meeting with Mr Gibson comes amid other concerns for the industry, which include Business Licence fees that have more than doubled, plus hefty real property tax payments.

The Government’s Business Licence Unit has to-date rejected the food retail/wholesale industry’s request that it be allowed to pay the annual fee in stages.

Yet Mr Beneby conceded that some members felt they were being treated unfairly, and were subject to ‘double standards’, as they were hearing other businesses and industries were being allowed to make ‘phased’ Business Licence fee payments.

“They’re feeling it,” he told Tribune Business of the Business Licence fee increases. “It’s really difficult for them to find one lump sum payment, especially with having to deal with real property tax, National Insurance Board and all these other things and payments at the same time.

“All these things have to be in line before you get the Business Licence. With the way the economy is, the way business is and all these other operating costs, it’s difficult.”

Rupert Roberts, Super Value’s owner and president, told Tribune Business that the Government’s policies were effectively subsidising food purchases by the rich, “millionaires and billionaires”, and making 60 per cent of their purchases duty-free.

He reiterated that the combined effect of VAT ($6 million at 15 per cent); the increase in Business Licence fees to $3.1 million; and real property tax would be to increase Super Value’s annual tax burden by around $12 million.

In his February 2014 letter, Mr Beneby said the premise that duty reductions would offset VAT’s impact did not apply to the food retail and wholesale industry, which operates on gross margin dollars - not percentages.

“Our expense base is expected to increase with the introduction of VAT, and we will be required to produce the same level of gross margin dollars from a lower cost base,” Mr Beneby told the Coalition’s co-chair, Robert Myers.

“In order to achieve this, we have calculated that overall grocery prices will increase approximately 7 per cent, although this increase will be much higher on non-price controlled items to offset the restrictions on increased prices on bread basket items.”

Mr Beneby confirmed that the Government had dismissed the Association’s plea to impose a flat 7.5 per cent VAT rate across all food and grocery sales, expressing particular concern about the plan to classify the majority of the industry’s inventory as ‘VAT exempt’.

By applying this treatment to products that are ‘breadbasket items’ and/or price controlled, the Retail Grocers Association chief said food stores would be unable to reclaim the VAT ‘input tax’ payments they make in proportion to these supplies.

As a result, food retailers will be unable to recover between 50-80 per cent of their VAT ‘input payments’ on costs such as rent and utilities. If VAT had been introduced at 15 per cent, they would have seen such costs increase by between 7.5 per cent to 12 per cent.

“A review of the sales mix indicates that approximately 50 per cent to 60 per cent of current sales generated by the larger retail grocery stores, and 75 per cent to 80 per cent of sales generated by the smaller retail grocery stores, will be classified as Exempt (under the draft legislation), thus reducing the reclaimable VAT on overheads by the same percentage,” Mr Beneby warned.

“The impact of this issue will be the increase in overhead costs such as rent, utilities, security, marketing, office, repairs and maintenance, etc, by 7.5 per cent to 12 per cent.

“ Our businesses are in no condition to absorb these costs and they will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. This increase will be in addition to the 7 per cent noted earlier.”

Mr Beneby’s letter described the Association’s three VAT-related meetings with Ministry of Finance officials as “a waste of time, as the officials are simply not listening to our concerns and suggestions, nor to the supporting information we have provided that contradicts much of their positions.

“It is extremely frustrating to have individuals, who have never operated a business, never have had to worry about meeting sales targets, or ensuring payroll is financed, dictating to us what is best for our business,” he added.

“From our perspective, they are not concerned about the well being of our businesses and the many thousands of Bahamians that are, directly and indirectly, employed by us and whose jobs and livelihoods are at risk.”

Summing up VAT’s likely impact regardless of whatever rate was chosen, Mr Beneby said: “It should be noted that 16 major food stores have closed in New Providence/Grand Bahama since 2009, with only eight of them re-opening. We know that some of our members are currently incurring losses, and unfortunately we expect further store closures with the implementation of VAT under its proposed format.

“Our customers are already under duress, as can be seen in the shift in their spending habits, and lack the ability to absorb significant increases in the cost of groceries. The implementation of VAT, under its proposed form, or indeed any form, may be the straw to break the back of our industry, and we are in no doubt that the face of the Bahamian retail grocery landscape will change for the worst.”

Mr Beneby warned that the industry was opposed to shelf pricing that ‘broke out’ the amount of VAT payable by consumers. He pointed out that in most countries, VAT was included in the total price, with the tax amount shown on the receipt.

Railing against shelf pricing that was exclusive of VAT, he said: “Many Bahamian consumers lack the capability to budget, and will not be able to relate their spending ability to their desired purchases.

“VAT exclusive pricing will lead to mass confusion at registers, with inevitable delays and disgruntled customers. We recommended that the pricing of goods be inclusive of VAT, but this was dismissed.”

Mr Beneby also described the Government’s ‘bonded warehouse’ plan, designed to prevent ‘double taxation’ and ease the VAT transition, as “completely impractical” and lacking support from the Association’s members.

The concerns, he added, related to “space restrictions, the burdens that will be imposed on the ease of business, the lack of confidence in the Department of Customs to execute, and the costs of inspections far outweigh any benefits to a bonded warehouse”.

“Without a credit system in place of duty already paid, larger importers and wholesalers will reduce bulk purchases or will temporarily cease importing food items – this will lead to increased prices or food shortages,” Mr Beneby warned.

“We recommend that businesses have their auditors provide a certificate for tax credits as at June 30, 2014. This certificate and the supporting information would be made available for audit by the Department of Customs.”

Mr Beneby also noted that food retailers and wholesalers had suffered a 20 per cent increase in freight costs, something they blamed on the “monopoly” created by the new Arawak Cay port.

“The increase in operating costs has come at a time when middle and lower income consumers are dramatically shifting their shopping habits to spending less and focusing more on bread basket items, while upper income consumers are abandoning Bahamian retail stores to shop on-line with US based establishments,” Mr Beneby added.

April 07, 2014

Monday, April 7, 2014

Political victimization and incompetence on the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF)

By Dennis Dames:




I received a telephone call from my father today.  He is a retired Assistant Superintendent (ASP) of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF).  He’s very outraged about a Superintendent of that organization in the name of Stephanie Demeritte, escorting prisoners to court.  He says that it is out of place and dead wrong; it’s really a job for a Constable. 
 
My dad further stated that Superintendents are essentially executive officers on the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) - who in some cases, command hundreds of men and women.  He said that it was also wrong to have had the late Superintendent Sands performing the same low ranking work.

It is a shame to see Superintendent Demeritte like the late Sands waste away in a senior rank which is just below Assistant Commissioner.  It is a reflection of an organization which appears to be in the evil grip of politicians, or plain old incompetence.  The Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force should be embarrassed and ashamed every time he sees a senior commander of his force in the newspapers or on the evening news holding on to prisoners on their way to court.

It’s a situation, according to my father – which no doubt is contributing to the low morale on the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF).  Why would a competent Bahamian join an organization that has no respect for its executive rank?  It means that it’s possible for a Superintendent of police in The Bahamas to direct traffic, work on the fire truck, be a chauffeur et al - under the existing status quo.

It is not a good reflection for the future of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) in my opinion.  We need to do better in our beloved country, if we expect better.  Stop the political victimization and shallowness in The Bahamas; or like the late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling (SLOP) use to say: What goes around comes around – my brother!

April 07, 2014

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Views and commentaries on the proposed value-added tax (VAT) system in The Bahamas

The fiscal reform series: About that VAT


The views and commentaries on the proposed value-added tax (VAT) system have been as diverse as they have been inconsistent. What makes the discussion even more interesting is that the divergent opinions have come from economists, experts in this form of taxation and industry leaders.

There is often the tendency for facts to either be lost or manipulated in a prolonged debate, with the loudest or most frequent message being perceived as the ultimate truth. It is therefore important that we filter out the proverbial noise in the market and unravel the actual facts that will enable us to develop our own opinions on the proposed VAT framework. In this article we briefly consider the various utterances made by both local and foreign individuals as they chimed in on the ongoing debate on VAT in The Bahamas. We will subsequently embark on the tasking journey of understanding VAT and what it means for the average Bahamian.

The Barbados experience

It was reported a number of weeks ago that the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Dr. Delisle Worrell, had indicated that VAT is an anti-tourism tax and had hurt that country’s local industry. Worrell was also reported as stating that the tax is very complicated and suggested his preference for a simple sales tax. We will examine sales tax as an alternative later.

A few days after the aforesaid report on the comments of Worrell, The Nassau Guardian quoted Lalu Vaswani, president of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), as saying that VAT has been good for the economy of and businesses in Barbados. Vaswani noted the level of concern and anxiety within Barbados prior to the implementation of VAT; an experience that seems similar to the current pre-VAT environment in The Bahamas. Of particular note was his reference to an adage that a rope in a dark room feels like a snake. More recently, Mark Shorey – a VAT expert out of Barbados with about 20 years experience in VAT consultancy and a member of the VAT implementation unit – weighed in on the VAT debate in The Bahamas. Shorey remarked that anti-VAT hoteliers will not be satisfied and indicated that training closer to implementation may be more effective. In the end, Shorey suggested, the implementation of VAT in Barbados was successful and is a model that could help The Bahamas.

Chronicles of the local commentaries

Comments attributed to past and present government officials with responsibility within the Ministry of Finance have been consistent insofar as they relate to the urgent need to address our fiscal imbalance. These individuals have also been backed by some locally respected professionals who have cautioned that we are between a rock and a hard place with the window for remediation closing with each passing day. A common concern has been the rate at which VAT is introduced, with recommendations for a rate lower than the proposed 15 percent.

The main opponents of VAT from the business community have been fervent in their campaign against this form of taxation, arguing that it is not appropriate for The Bahamas and would increase the cost of living while further shrinking the middle class. A study of jurisdictions that have implemented VAT will show that the fear and anxiety being expressed is not unique to The Bahamas, nor is it unusual for various interest groups to voice their concerns. The emergence of groups that purportedly represent the populace and average citizens has also inserted a unique dimension to the ongoing debate on VAT.

WTO accession and a replacement tax

We know that the government requires among other measures on the expenditure side, additional revenue to correct our structural recurrent deficit. However, the recent revelation by the co-chair of the Coalition for Responsible Taxation that the group was not aware that the reduction in tariff rates has to be immediate and cannot be phased in as The Bahamas seeks to join the WTO is indeed food for thought. This raises the question of how effective the government has been in explaining the link between our efforts to join the WTO and the introduction of VAT.

It appears that the case for our urgent accession to the WTO has not been adequately presented to the average Bahamian. It can also be argued that not enough has been said to sensitize the public to the fact that VAT is intended to replace the significant amount of revenue the government will be forfeiting as tariff rates are reduced to facilitate our accession to the WTO. Perhaps this is an indication of the oft manifested culture of addressing matters in vacuums or isolation without due attention to the bigger picture. It follows therefore that if VAT on goods is expected to replace existing tariffs on goods, the introduction of VAT should be neutral in relation to government revenue. This will not however be the case as the government expects to raise some $200 million in additional revenue from VAT on services which have been untaxed for quite some time even though our economy is for the most part service based.

The progressive aspect of a regressive tax

There is no doubt that VAT cannot be classified as a progressive form of taxation and is generally regarded as a regressive tax. In this regard, there have been numerous criticisms of this proposed tax system and suggestions for alternatives which are deemed to be more progressive in nature, including income tax.

Warren Buffett – the man often referred to as the Oracle of Omaha and regarded as one of the greatest investors of all time – has been a proponent of the rich paying more taxes in support of the philosophy of U.S. President Barack Obama. Locally, businessman Tennyson Wells has been quoted as stating a similar view, albeit from the perspective of a different school of thought on welfare, allocation of the tax burden and the trickle down paradigm. Nevertheless, as research has shown that individuals who are more well off spend a higher percentage of their income on services than goods when compared to the less well off, one can conclude that the introduction of VAT will increase the amount of taxes paid by the upper class in our country over that paid by the lower class. It should be noted that this does not eliminate the expected increase in the cost of doing business for companies, though this will ultimately be borne by the consumer.

VAT versus sales tax

The complicated nature of a VAT system has been a major component of the concerns raised by the private sector with preference for a sales tax being expressed. The government had documented its rationale for proposing VAT as opposed to other forms of taxation in the white paper released in February 2013. While the paper did not provide ample details on the analysis conducted on each type of tax prior to the selection of VAT, the superiority of VAT over sales tax in terms of enforcement mechanisms is apparent.

It is therefore understandable why the government would prefer VAT over a simple sales tax. It is a known fact and Shorey confirmed that VAT has inbuilt self-policing and compliance features which reduce the level of resources that the government will have to allocate to its compliance efforts. In effect, VAT creates a level of accountability, responsibility and transparency that makes registrants and in some cases consumers, agents of the Central Revenue Agency with significant incentives and penalties ensuring that the government receives VAT payments. On the other side, it is expected that businesses will prefer a sales tax system which is easy to administer because it requires the collection of taxes at the point of sale instead of throughout the production/value chain as required in a VAT regime.

Conclusion

The German-born American artist Hans Hofmann famously stated that "the ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak". It is time to rid ourselves of the unnecessary commentary in the VAT debate and focus on the facts necessary to move the discussion on fiscal and tax reform forward. Only then can a constructive discussion about the VAT that has become associated with fear and uncertainty, as well as proposals for viable alternatives, begin. Next week we will take a deeper dive into the features of VAT and the contents of the draft VAT Bill and regulations. In the interim, the various stakeholders need to disclose all the relevant details and simplify the information necessary for all to comprehend.


• Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

April 01, 2014

thenassauguardian.com