TAX-PAYERS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW SYSTEM

The Inland Revenue Department is seeking to improve its database to allow taxpayers greater access and flexibility.

The department in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology is preparing the Standard Integrated Government Tax Administration System – SIGTAS 3.0 to go live in March 2023, to facilitate the submission of online payments via the Government e-payment gateway. The new system will also automate the administration of all taxes and licenses.

Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department Mrs. Karen Smith-Aaron recently revealed that taxpayers will be able to submit registration forms online, print registration certificates, make queries about accounts, check unfiled tax periods, follow the status of pending requests, and communicate easily with the tax administration through an embedded messaging centre.

Mrs. Smith-Aaron said, “Taxpayers are at the heart of the new system. They are now empowered to view their tax information.”

The commissioner said in order to facilitate this upgrade, all residents of employable age are required to be registered. She said members of the public must provide either a valid passport or driver’s license along with their Social Security Card, and an email address to ensure that registration is successful.

Mrs. Smith-Aaron said the Inland Revenue Department is “committed to assessing the taxes, licences and fees due to the Government of the Virgin Islands while applying the tax laws with fairness and integrity, and in an atmosphere of mutual respect.’’