CHALLENGES OF TAX ADMINISTRATION EVIDENCE FROM GRA- DOMESTIC TAX

OFFICE. A CASE STUDY OF GRA DOMESTIC TAX OFFICE, KUMASI- ASOKWA

EVELYN AGYEMANG
GENEVIVE AFRAKOMA ALOMENU
KUSI ELLEN
ATONO ANASTASIA
OPOKU GYASI AGYEI
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF A
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN BUSINESS STUDIES
JUNE 2013

DECLARATION
We have read the university regulation relating to plagiarism and clariIy that this report is our
own work and do not contain any acknowledged work Irom any other source. We also declare
that we been under supervision Ior this report herein submitted.
Name Index Number Signature Date
Evelyn Agyemang 10134996 ..................... ........
Genevive AIrakoma Alomenu 10134998 .......................... .........................
Kusi Ellen 10219517 ....... ...........................
Atono Anastasia 10135178 ....... .................
OpokuGyasiAgyei 10149106 ........... ..............
Supervisor`s Declaration
I hereby declare that the preparation and presentation oI the dissertation were supervised in
Accordance with the guideline on supervision laid down by Christian Service University
College.
Supervisor`s Name Signature Date
Mr Samuel A. Yawlui ........ .........
Head of Department`s Name Signature Date
KwakuAhenkorah (Dr.) ................. .................................

ABSTRACT
This Research work seeks to Iind the Challenges oI Tax Administration in the Kumasi
Metropolisdomestic tax revenue division (DTRD) Asokwa Branch was used as a case study.
The objective oI the research was to Iind out the problems oI tax administration, tax evasion and
tools Ior easy tax administration in Kumasi metropolis. The researcher used questioner and
interviews to gather data Ior the study. Findings were that a tax administrator lacks adequate
logistics in their supervisory and monitory role. A number oI Iindings were made, oI which are;
staII having little or no knowledge in accounting and taxation, no motivation and training oI
staII, tax payers unable to keep proper records, educational level oI the majority oI the tax payers
being very low . The research work was constrained with the Iollowing limitations; tax oIIicers
were reluctant to disclose much detailed inIormation to the researcher. It is recommended among
others that the challenges revealed are real, and that iI the recommendations made are adhered to,
challenges oI tax administration will be minimized.
This proposed research would basically be Iocused on public sector organizations such as
domestic tax revenue division (DTRD) oIIices in the Kumasi metropolis.
The type oI research would precisely be secondary and primary researches. This is because a
secondary research is undertaken with practical goal clearly in sight. It is also to develop
corrective researches. Data would be collected Irom both primary and secondary sources. Also
literature on taxation would be taken Irom journals, newspapers, libraries, internet and other
published books.
The questionnaire specially would be distributed to responsible personnel in the choice oI
institution who have suIIicient knowledge and can provide the required inIormation

DEDICATION
We dedicate this work, Iirst and Ioremost, to the most high God who granted us abundant grace
and wisdom in carrying out this work and secondly to our Iamilies Ior all their support in our
education. We hope we have made you proud beyond measure.

ACKNOWLEGDEMENT
We are Iirst and Ioremost grateIul to Almighty God who gave us the strength and wisdom to
conduct this study. Our proIound gratitude also goes to Mr Samuel A Yawlui, our supervisor,
who spared some oI her precious time both day and night to guide and supervise us during the
conduct oI this study.
We are particularly thankIul to management and staII oI domestic tax revenue division (DTRD)
Asokwa Ior their immense support and interest and allowing us to their Institution as a case study
in conducting on this research.
Our Iinal appreciation goes to everyone who helped in the diverse way to make our dream oI
becoming degree holders a reality.

TABLE OF CONTENT
CONTENTS PAGE
Declaration ..................................I
Abstract .................................... II
Dedication ............................... III
Acknowledgement............................. IV
Table oI Contents ..............................V
List oI Illustrations ............................. IX
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT OF THE STUDY
1.0 Background oI the Study ......................... 1
1.1 Problems Statement ................................... 2
1.2 Objectives oI the Study ...........................3
1.2.1 General Objectives..........................3
1.2.2 SpeciIic Objective ..........................3
1.3 Research Questions ....................................4
1.4 Scope oI the Study ............................ 4
1.5 SigniIicance oI the Study ........................5

1.6 Limitation oI the Study ........................ 5

1.7 Organization oI the Study .......................... 5
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction ..............................7
2.1 Short History oI Taxation in Ghana.....................7
2.2 Meaning oI taxation........................... 8
2.2.1 Direct Tax.............................. 9
2.2.2 Income Tax............................... 10
2.2.3 GiIt Tax...............................10
2.2.4 Capital Gain Tax..........................10
2.2.5 Indirect Tax.............................11
2.2.6 Value Added Tax............................ 11
2.2.7 Import and Export Duties.......................11
2.2.8 Excise Duties............................ 12
2.2.9 National Health Insurance Levy....................12
2.3 Importance oI Tax...........................12
2.4 Principles oI Taxation.........................13
2.4.1 Equity...............................14
2.4.2 Vertical Equity...........................14
2.4.3 Horizontal Equity...........................14
2.4.4 Convenience............................. 15
2.4.5 Certainty............................. 15

2.4.6 Economy.............................16
2.5 Government and Tax.................................................................................................... 16
2.6 Laws on Taxation in Ghana....................... 19
2.7 Problems oI Tax Administration.................................................................................... 20
2.7.1 Lack oI Taxpaying Culture among Taxpayers........................................................... 21
2.7.2 Low Wage Levels.......................... 21
2.7.3 Poor working condition and little encouragement.............. 21
2.7.4 Low probability oI detection and punishment Ior corruption.........22
2.7.5 Lack oI Equipment...................................................................................................... 24
2.7.6 Embezzlement oI Tax Revenue.................................................................................. 24
2.7.7 Cost oI Collection Was Exorbitant............................................................................ 25
2.7.8 Poor Record Keeping by the Associations................................................................... 25
2.8 Tools Ior Easy Tax Administration............................................................................... 25
2.9 Organisational ProIile oI Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD).......................... 30
2.9.1 Organisational Structure oI Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD)......31
CHAPTER THREE:
METHODOLOGY AND PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA
3.0 Introduction ............................... 32
3.1 Research Design............................. 32
3.2 Population and Sampling............................ 33
3.2.1 Target Population ..................................... 33

3.2.2 Sample Size ...................................... 33

3.2.3 Sampling Techniques ..................................... 33
3.3 Sources oI Data.................................. 34
3.4 Data Collection Instruments ........................... 34
3.4.1 Questionnaire.......................................... 34
3.4.2 Unpublished and Published Data ................................. 35
3.5 Data Analysis ................................ 35
CHAPTER FOUR:
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.0 Introduction .................................36
4.1 Background oI Respondents ..........................36
4.2 StaIIing Issues ................................ 39
4.3 Problem That Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) Faces ............... 40
4.4 Registered Business with DTRD ........................ 41
4.5 Problems OF Tax Administration.................................................................................. 43
4.6 Problems Faced by the GRA in Tax Administration.................................................... 44
4.7 Logistics ................................... 44
4.8 Condition oI Service..........................45
4.9 Action Taken Against Tax DeIaulters ......................... 45

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY,

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction ..............................46
5.1 Summary oI Findings ...........................46
5.2 Recommendations .............................48
5.3 Conclusions ..............................52
REFERENCES ................................53
APPENDIX A................................... 55
APPENDIX B.................................... 57

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Table 1: Age oI Respondents .........................37
Table 2: Marital Status oI Respondent ..................... 37
Table 3: Educational Background oI Respondent ................ 38
Table 4 Male Employees..........................38
Table 5 Iemale employees.......................... 39
Table: 6. Distribution oI staII .........................39
Table: 7. Response on Problems Faced By Tax Payers................41
Table: 8. Data showing the registered business with the DTRD ...........41
Table: 9. keeping oI record oI the business......................................................................42
Table: 10 Data Showing the Number OI Vehicles Functioning At The (DTRD).............. 44
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Tax is a compulsory, non-reIundable unrequited sum oI money collected by the state Irom the
citizenry Ior the socio-economic development oI the state. Funds generated Irom taxation Iorms
the greater percentage oI the total revenue oI most countries economy. Tax can be grouped into
Direct and indirect taxes. Direct taxes are those taxes which are levied on the possession and
incomes oI persons and proIit oI organizations whose burden cannot be shiIted to someone else.
A direct tax includes company tax, capital gain tax, personal income tax and property tax.
Indirect taxes are also taxes which are levied on commodities and whose burden can be shiIted to
another depending on the elasticity oI demand or supply oI the goods. These include purchase
tax, sales tax, import duties, export duties, excise duty and VAT.
Tax is observe as one major source oI revenue Ior the under developed countries such as Ghana.
A critical look at Ghana since independence on 6
th
March 1957 reveals that the country has
persistently relied so much on external sources oI Iunds Ior its developmental project. It has
come to light that the development oI a country does not depend exclusively on external sources
but the ability oI the country to generate Iounds internally. Direct taxes have been and will
continue to be the major source oI government revenue in Ghana (the Statesman, Fri, 3
rd
June,
2005).
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Its role in the socio-economic development oI the country cannot be over emphasized. It was
recognised that the tax system employed to Iinance government activities may have substantial
inIluence (good or bad) upon the rate and pattern oI growth. According to Bird and Old man
(1964), the administration oI tax system oI the country receives relatively slight attention. OIten
the remarks devoted to administration are the Iorms oI generalities all oI which notably come
down to the repeated recommendation oI improvement.
Richard M. Bird and Milka C de Jansher (1992) wrote that beat tax administration is not simple
one that collects the most revenue, but revenue is raised that most revenue, but how that
revenue is raised that is, the eIIort on equity, on the political Iortunes oI the government and on
the level oI economic welIare may be equal important.
In developing countries like Ghana the citizens who do not known the essence oI paying taxes
try to evade or avoid it wholly. The selI-employed, companies and other tax payers consciously
evade and avoid the paying oI taxes due to their Iictitious assertion and assumption that direct tax
is an unnecessary liability that the governments intentionally impose on them without the tax
payers` interest being taken into consideration.
1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Governments all over the world need revenue to provide the essential service to their countries.
This revenue can only be generated through taxation and other incomes.
UnIortunately, there`s a misconception on the part oI the payer does not allow them to avail
themselves Ior tax payment purposes. They always see the payment oI taxes not as a
responsibility oI the citizen but as something that is imposed on their right. The unwillingness on
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the part oI the majority oI the people to pay taxes including the educated maniIest itselI in the
lack oI social amenities in our society. The Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) oI Kumasi
Metropolis which happens to be the sole collector oI direct tax Iaces some challenges. The
contribution oI income tax in the socio-economic development oI Ghana cannot be
overemphasized. However there`s no research to indicate where people are not willing to pay
taxes as one oI the challenges Iacing the tax administrator. It is Ior this reason that all attempts
must be made to identiIy problems what hinders smooth tax administration and help eradicate
them. It is Ior this reason that the researcher decided to undergo this study to ascertain the causes
oI these challenges and to suggest ways to solve the problems.
1.2 OB1ECTIVES OF THE STUDY
1.2.1 General Objectives
The objective oI the study is to examine the problems that Iace Ghana Revenue Authority-
Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD).
1.2.2 Specific Objective
To identiIy the tool that ensures smooth Ior and easily operation in tax administration
To examine the problems tax administration Iace
To identiIy Iactors that motivates people to pay tax
To examine iI Ghana Revenue Authority - Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) has
adequate human resource and logistics
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1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What tools are used to ensure smooth payment oI tax?
What problems do tax administrators Iace in tax collection?
Does GRA- Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) have adequate Human resource
and logistics?
What are the Factors that motivate people to pay tax?
1.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research is centered in Kumasi, the second largest city in Ghana and the capital city oI
Ashanti Region. The researchers have chosen the various branches oI Domestic Tax Revenue
Division (DTRD) as the case study centers. This project thereIore aimed at providing an in-depth
knowledge oI the characteristics oI the Ghanaian tax system, which helps identiIy the problems
and prospects oI income tax in Ghana. In the course oI the attaining the objective oI the study,
the researchers undertook a through survey and study oI the various stakeholders views about
income tax including the government, the consuming public, the manuIacturers and distribution
agencies. The project work is limited to primary and secondary data on the subject matter in
order to provide a general overview oI tax administration, the merits, demerits and necessary
conditions that should prevail Ior its` practice. The study is also limited to the Kumasi
Metropolis in the Ashanti Region oI Ghana considerations haves also been given to the Domestic
Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) laws and regulations which provide an outlook oI the regulatory
Irame-work binding income tax and it`s administration on Ghana.
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1.5 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This work is done with the anticipation that, once the challenges are identiIied and better
solutions are prescribed Ior them, tax administration will be smooth and the Domestic Tax
Revenue Division (DTRD) will be able to raise enough revenue Ior the government. This will
also make the people be aware oI the serious eIIect that their Iailure to execute their tax
obligation has on the socio-economic development oI the metropolis. The study will show the
need to educate the general public on the need to pay tax and also the collection oI the tax in the
metropolis. The study will again, let the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) realize the
need to equip its staII, educate and motivate them eIIectively Ior eIIicient working mind-set.
Moreover the study will help the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) to build up and sue
appropriate mechanism in the collection oI taxes so that their relationship with the community
will enhance eIIective tax system in the metropolis.
1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The researcher encountered the Iinancial problems oI meeting the cost oI materials Ior the
research and paying Ior transportation as well. Also time Ior the research is limited.
1.7 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
The study consists oI Iive chapters chapter one, the current chapter, entails the introduction and
context oI the study which includes the background oI the study. Statement oI problem, research
questions, signiIicance oI the study, structure oI the study, scope oI the study and the limitations
oI the study. The second chapter is solely on literature review. This is basically the review oI the
researches that have been done relating to the topic under study by other people. Chapter three
6
covers the methodology used on obtaining and analysis oI data chapter Iour deals with the
analysis and discussions oI Iinding. The last chapter, which is chapter Iive, comprises the
summary, conclusion and recommendations oI the study.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Tax administration, tools Ior ensuring smooth and easy operation with respect to tax
administration and to make recommendations Ior eIIective tax administration.
2.1 Short History of Taxation in Ghana
Income tax was imposed in Ghana than Gold Coast by the income Tax Ordinance
1943(ordinance No 27 oI1943). This ordinance was amended several times since its enactment.
In 1952, the income Tax (Amendent) ordinance 1952 was passed to rectiIy most oI the shortIall
in ordinance No27. This was aIter eight (8) years tax administration. In 1953,by the provision oI
the 1952 ordinance, a consolidation edition was published. In 1961 a drastic amendment was
made to the consolidated edition by Act 68, Iollowed by Act 178 and 197 in 1963, and was
sealed oII by Act 312 in 1965. A second consolidated edition (The consolidated Tax degree
1996- No 78) was published in September 1966 and the third consolidation edition(The income
Tax Degree 1975- SMCD5) was also published in December 1975 (Andah 1987:1).
In the year 2000, a new tax laws was introduced Act 592oI 2000 to take case tax administration.
That Act consolidates all tax paid in Ghana that is Income tax, GiIt tax, Capital gain tax etc. In
1986, the internal revenue department (IRS) was established by the IRS Law PNDCL.143.
In 2009, the Ghana Revenue Authority Act 2009, Act 791 was passed. This Act has merged all
the revenue agencies in Ghana in to one body. This GRA has three divisions: Custom division
which is in charge oI administration oI customs duties, the Domestic Tax Revenue Division
which is the merger oI two Iormer operational divisions- internal revenue service (IRS) and VAT
8
Services, and is now in charge oI administration oI domestic tax and support service division
(SSD) which provide service such as Iinance, administration, research ,human resources and
inIormation technology.(GRA ACT, ACT 791 2009).
2.2 Meaning of Taxation
Taxation is the system oI compulsory contributions levied by a government or other qualiIied
public body on people, corporations and property, in order to Iund public expenditure (MicrosoIt
Encarta, 2005).
Taxation is the process oI levying oI compulsory payments or contributions by the government
on individuals, entities and or property to support the cost oI government activities. Gbadago
(2012), (Unpublished).
The person upon which tax is levied is usually reIerred to as tax payer`. The tax payer could be
seen as an individual investor or a limited liability company.
Taxation plays a very key role in revenue mobilization. This in turn requires well-designated tax
policies that are translated into clear legislation and are administratively Ieasible. Perhaps the
greatest challenge Iacing countries is how to improve upon the eIIectiveness oI their tax
administration
The amount usually imposed on the tax payer is known as tax. Tax is thereIore the Iinancial
charges imposed on the tax payer by tax authorities.
Taxation has certain basic aims. For example, to raise revenue, to decrease the consumption oI
undesirable goods and can also serve as Iiscal policy tool during inIlation. This research looks at
taxation as revenue-raising instrument. It also looks at the challenges oI the Internal Revenue
Service in an attempt to levy and collect taxes.
9
Taxation serves as the backbone oI Ghana`s economy Ior the mobilization oI tax in the country.
For instance, in the year 2004, the total tax to the government accounted Ior 72.70 oI the total
tax revenue to the state and non-tax revenue accounted Ior 27.30 oI the total tax revenue. Out
oI the 72.70 tax revenue, direct tax accounted Ior 23.32 whiles the indirect taxes accounted
Ior 42.41 and import duties accounted Ior 18.49 ( the state oI Ghana`s economy, 2004).
Below are the two types oI taxes:
Direct Tax
Indirect Tax
2. 2.1 Direct Tax
With reIerence to the lecture note by Mr. George Obeng Takyi at the University oI Education,
Kumasi campus, Direct tax is reIerred to as tax imposed or levied and is paid by the person or
organization on which it is actually levied. Direct tax is generally progressive oI which the
Internal Revenue Service are more particular with. The incidence and yield are easy to determine
and the tax payer knows with certainty what he is expected to pay. Yield increases automatically
as wealth and population increases even though the eIIect on incentives and savings may be
considerable and cost oI administration may be high as compared to indirect taxes.
In Ghana Ior instance, the Internal Revenue Service adopt the direct tax system which is
progressive as Iar as mobilizing tax revenue.
The types oI direct taxes are:
Income tax
GiIt tax
Capital gain tax
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2.2.2 Income Tax
Income tax is a type oI direct tax imposed on the proIit or gains attributed to a person as deIined
by the law governing such tax system, Internal Revenue Act2000(Act 592).The law does not
speciIically deIines income. However, it gives an indication oI what are seen as income to be
taxed.
2.2.3 Gift Tax
Section 110 oI Act 592 deIines giIt as a receipt without consideration or Ior inadequate
consideration. The receipt may constitute certain types oI assets identiIied by the law which may
be transIerred between persons. Taxable giIt means any oI the Iollowing:
Assets situated in Ghana such as:
i. Building oI permanent or temporary nature
ii. Land
iii. Shares, bond and other securities
iv. Business and business assets
v. Any means oI transportation (land, air, sea)
2.2.4 Capital Gain Tax
Capital gain tax is the taxation oI the increase in the capital value oI assets between the date oI
acquisition oI the assets and the date oI disposal. Tax payers are required to report any capital
gain and pay any tax arising there Irom within thirty days oI the realization oI an asset.
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2.2.5 Indirect Tax
Indirect taxes are taxes collected Irom someone other than persons or organization responsible
Ior paying the taxes. Indirect taxes levied on the person or organization with the expectation that
the tax would be shiIted or passed on to another.
Indirect taxes may take the Iorm oI speciIic duty (rate oI duty based on Iixed or speciIic amount
per some physical attribute oI the commodity being taxed).With indirect tax payment oI tax is
easy and convenient and evasion is diIIicult.
The types oI indirect taxes are,
Value added Tax (VAT)
Import and Export duties
Excise duties
National Health Insurance levy
2.2.6 Value Added Tax
Value added tax (VAT) is a tax applied on the value that is added to goods and services at each
stage in the production and distribution chain imposed under the value added tax(VAT)Act
1998(Act 546). It Iorms part oI the Iinal price the consumer pays Ior the goods or services.
2.2.7 Import and Export Duties
Import and export duties are levied on items, goods or service, imported or exported out oI the
country.
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2.2.8 Excise Duties
Excise duties are taxes imposed on manuIactured items in a country. Examples are alcoholic
beverages, log and lumber, building materials (cement, rooIing sheets) Iuel and energy.Section56
oI Law330, as amended is to the eIIect that on application to the Commissioner and subject to
such conditions as he may impose, no excise duty shall be payable on any goods manuIactured in
Ghana and Shipped as stores Ior consumption outside Ghana on a ship or aircraIt proceeding to a
place outside Ghana or exported by their manuIacturer.
2.2.9 National Health Insurance Levy
The National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) is a general tax on consumption expenditure
imposed under the National Health Insurance Act, 2003(Act 650). The National Health Insurance
Levy is charged on payments Ior goods and services supplied in Ghana or imported into the
country.
2.3 IMPORTANCE OF TAX
With reIerence to the lecture notes by Mr. George Obeng Takyi, the revenue generated Irom
taxation plays the Iollowing important roles in the economic development oI a nation or tax
jurisdiction. Namely,
(a) Taxation serves a major source oI government revenue
To Iinance spending programs
Maintaining law and order
Protection oI lives and property
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Financing inIrastructure development and projects oI the government oI the day.
Example construction oI roads, dams, school buildings etc.
(b) Restrain consumption oI harmIul goods such as alcohol and tobacco which are not good Ior
our health and morality as well.
(c) Protection oI inIant local industries
(d) Control oI certain aspects oI the local economy such as,
Balance oI payment
Fiscal tool to control inIlation
Narrowing budget deIicit
Reduce inequalities arising Irom the distribution oI wealth such as narrowing the gap
between the rich and poor.
2.4 Principles of Taxation
A nation`s tax system is oIten a reIlection oI its communal values or the values oI those in
power. To create a system oI taxation, a nation must make choices regarding the distribution oI
tax burden. Thus, who pay taxes and how much to be paid and how the taxes collected will be
spent.
According to Adams Smith (Iather oI economics) talked about Iour basic principles oI taxation
as Iar as mobilizing tax revenue. Below are the principles:
Equity
Convenience
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Certainty
Economy
2.4.1 Equity
Equity means Iairness. Thus, tax must be proportional to one`s income (The higher the income
the greater the tax and the lower the income the smaller the tax).
In other words taxpayers must contribute in proportion oI their abilities (economic resources
under one`s control). Equity attribute oI a good tax system can be seen in the Iollowing
circumstances:
Vertical equity
Horizontal equity
2.4.2 Vertical Equity
Vertical equity is based on ability to pay. A person with higher income levels pays more than
persons with lower income levels. It is also concerned with a Iair tax rate structure by which to
calculate the tax on diIIerent amounts oI income.
2.4.3 Horizontal Equity
Horizontal equity reIers to a tax system where persons with approximately the same income
levels pay the same amount oI tax.
A good tax system should cause the least inconvenience to the tax payer as well as the tax
admini8strator. Thus, tax payers should not overly suIIer in order to comply with the tax laws.
1S
The tax payer must know where and when to pay the tax. A good tax system should be
convenient to pay, do not require undue time and cost.
Tax is one oI the principles which Adam smith elaborated on. This implies that the true tax
liability must be determined with reasonable certainty or a Iair degree oI accuracy. The tax
collector must not cheat the tax payer whereas, the tax payer must be certain on the rate oI tax
the time oI payment, the place oI payment, rights etc. Taxation is not based on arbitrary
assessment or extortion.
Finally the tax system should be perceived to be good, the cost associated with the collection and
enIorcing the tax should Iorm a very small proportion oI the tax collected.
2.4.4 Convenience
A good tax should cause the least inconvenience to the tax payer as well as the administrator.
Thus, tax payers should not overly suIIer in order to comply with the tax laws. The tax payer
must know where and when to pay the tax. The place where payment must be made must be
easily accessible to the tax payer. Also, the necessary logistics should be available to help the
administrator to enIorce compliance. A good tax system should be convenient to pay, do not
require undue time and cost, example is the PAYE.
2.4.5 Certainty
This implies the true tax liability must be determined with reasonable certainty or a Iair degree oI
accuracy. The tax collector must not cheat on the tax payer whereas the tax payer must be certain
on the rate oI tax, the time oI payment, the place oI payment, rights, obligations and possibly the
16
penalties Ior non-compliance. Taxation is not based on arbitrary assessment or extortion. The tax
administrator must be able to deIend his or her position.
2.4.6 Economy
This means that Ior a tax system should be perceived to be good, the cost associated with the
collection oI and enIorcing the tax should Iorm a very small proportion oI the tax collected. A
good should be very simple and plain to administer and enIorced. It should not create political
tension.
2.5 Government and Tax
The eIIectiveness oI any government, at central or local level, depends on the willingness oI the
people governed to surrender or exchange a measure oI control over poverty in return Ior
protection and other services. Taxation is one oI the Iorms oI this exchange.
It has been the aim oI governments world over to maximize the social and economic satisIaction
oI their citizens by providing social amenities like good drinking water, electricity, health
Iacilities to mention a Iew. These government has also got to accelerate economic growth by
developing inIrastructures like roads, bridges etc. They are also committed to develop their
economies by directly establishing industries, irrigation schemes etc.
One oI the key issues that Iace government in modern times is how to Iinance its entering
increasing expenditure. Taxation has become and will always be one oI the key sources oI
domestic public revenue Otieku (1992). It is the major Iiscal tool not only in mobilizing the
much needed public revenue but also Ior directing investment Ilow and other desirable socio-
economic behavior. For example, in the year 2004/2005, total tax revenue to the government
17
accounted Ior 72.70 oI the total revenue to the state and non-tax revenue contributed only
27.30 OI the total revenue, direct taxes accounted Ior 47.41 and tax on international trade
accounted Ior 18.41 compared to the developed countries where direct tax contribute greater
percentage to the state (The State oI the Ghanaian Economy, 2004).
One major trend which is always cited is that Irom administrative point oI view, it is much easier
to levy and collect indirect taxes than direct taxes. This is because indirect taxes present less
political discouragement to enterprises than direct taxes. Moreover, there is a heavy reliance on
indirect tax because it is diIIicult to identiIy and tax the sole proprietors (who Iorm the bulk oI
income earners in Ghana) directly Mr. D.K Otieku in a speech delivered as an inter-Iaculty
lecture at the University oI Ghana, Legon on March 26, 1992, recounted some oI the Iactors that
have always made it diIIicult to tax the sole proprietors (made up oI selI-employed artisans,
craItsmen, petty traders, portIolio businessmen etc.). He cited moving Irom one place to
another, non keeping oI proper records oI their business operations, non Iiling oI annual returns
to the tax authorities either as a deliberate attempt to evade tax, illiteracy, ignorance oI the tax
laws or the relatively high costs oI accountancy and taxation services. These have however,
encouraged government to rely heavily on indirect taxes in developing countries to rise
In the World Bank IMF assisted adjustment program, emphasis was placed on the need to reduce
Iiscal deIicits through increased revenue mobilization and reduction in government expenditures.
Exchange rate devaluation and the removal oI price controls ad the eIIect oI realigning the
inIormal and Iormal sectors oI the economy resulting in an increase in the tax base and
consequently tax revenues. This has translated into a censure oI the expenditure revenue gap
even though both sides have been on the increase over the post adjustment period. Net Ioreign
borrowing mainly Iinances Iiscal deIicits over 1983 to 1991. Huge deIicits in 1992 coupled with
18
a short Iall in inIlows resulted in the government resorting to domestic sources mainly the
Central Bank Ior Iinance. This no doubt contributed to increase in domestic interest rate and
inIlation in the years that Iollowed. In more recent years divestiture receipt have also become
signiIicant Iinancing items (Dordunoo 2000:100-103). However, these non-revenue sources oI
Iinancing are by their nature temporally and improving the tax system is crucial to macro
economic stability and growth.
When it was envisage that oil price increase in 2000 will have adverse eIIect on Ghana`s
economy (and thereIore the Iiscal position), IMF encouraged the government oI the day to
increase VAT rate 12.5 as a strategy to improve the Iiscal position. The oil price in 2000 called
into questioned this projection and will put pressure on the government to raise taxes at a Iaster
rate than the originally planned-unless more aid is Iorthcoming to oIIset the negative Iiscal eIIect
oI the terms oI trade shock. The government has consistently Iailed to meet its Iiscal target in
recent years and this caused into question the realization oI vision 2015; considerably catch up is
needed to remain on target to meet them. First, as previously noted the divestiture receipt is a
short inIlow Ior the government and thereIore expected to dwindle in not too distant Iuture.
Finally, the major source oI revenue oI West AIrican countries particularly Ghana includes:
Taxation
Licensing
Lotteries
Divestiture
Royalties
Court Iines
Revenue Irom participation in economic activity
19
Internal and External Borrowing
2.6 Laws on Taxation in Ghana
Taxation was Iirst introduced into Ghana by the colonel masters in the then Gold Coast as means
oI raising revenue to Iinance the ever increasing cost oI administering the colonies. It has since
then undergoes so many changes and modiIication to the current tax system in operation.
Tax jurisdiction is an area in which a particular set oI tax laws applies. A tax jurisdiction may
apply taxes on a source basis or global basis. Component authority in tax jurisdiction is
responsible Ior administering taxes and ensuring that the taxes are collected. Component tax
authority could be more than one with each being responsible Ior diIIerent Iorms oI taxes are
collected Component tax country. In Ghana, GRA is responsible Ior taxes such as IRA, 2000
(Act 592), VAT Act, 1998 (Act 546), CEPS management law etc.
In Ghana the source jurisdiction is applied which implies that income is taxable in Ghana as long
as its source is Ghana where the source oI income is not Ghana, it is not taxable in Ghana where
the source oI the income is not Ghana Ior the income to be taxed it must be brought in or
received in Ghana to make it subject to tax in Ghana (s.6 oI IRA, 2000 (Act 592).
Sources oI Tax rules and laws in Ghana are:
Domestic Legislations
IRA, 2000 (Act 592)
CEPS (Management) Law 1993
VAT Act, 1998 (Act 546)
20
2.7 Problems of Tax Administration
Over the past two decades many developing countries have implemented comprehensive reIorms
oI their tax administrations in order to increase revenue and curb corruption (chapter 17, page 2
in the International Handbook on the Economics oI Corruption, edited by Susan Rose- Ackerman
and Iorthcoming, 2006).
Despite dramatic improvements in tax collection, and the success oI Ghanaian tax collection
relative to its neighbors, there is little doubt that taxation remains subject to very large leakages.
These leakages area more a question oI administration than oI policy, which is a reIlection oI the
oIt- cited claim that in developing countries 'tax administration is tax policy tax administration
is divided among three primary agencies: the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), the
Value-Added Tax Service ( VATS) and the Customs, Excise ( Casanegra de Jantscher 1990).
David Adom, Commissioner oI the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) (1998) reported
that the rapid growth in the size and Iorm oI business conducted over the internet and other
communication networks, has raised a number oI concerns Ior the Iormulation oI tax policy and
eIIectiveness oI existing administrative procedures and techniques. This is the direct result oI the
nature oI electronic-commerce transactions, which blur Irontiers, changes the character oI
income and result in the loss oI audit trail. 'These reduce the tax man`s ability to check the
accuracy oI proIits reported by taxpayers and narrow the tax base, he added. (Accra, Sept 6,
1998, Ghana News Agency)
Adom (1998), mentioned schemes Ior tax avoidance, irregular Ilow oI resources taxation oI the
inIormal sector and the inability to establish the tax court; as other challenges to increased
21
revenue collection. He expressed regret that some selI-employed persons, including proIessionals
and aIIluent in the society, belong to a category oI taxpayers, who contributed only 5.2 per cent
oI total revenue collection in 1998 while employees contribute 29.8 per cent during the same
period. 'This poor perIormance to tax group is due to problems with taxpayer identiIication,
illiteracy and poor record keeping and sometimes,
WillIul intention oI these potential taxpayers to evade tax
2.7.1 Lack of Taxpaying Culture among Taxpayers
This was partly caused by a tax system perceived as unIair. Relative`s high rates and a complex
and partly incoherent set oI rules, especially Ior customs and corporate taxes resulted in large
potential rewards Ior taxpayers willing to bribe to cut their own tax burden and/or speed up
customs clearance oI their goods (Terpker, 1999)
2.7.2 Low Wage Levels
The poor salaries at the tax administration compared to the private sector invited corruption. The
average public employee`s salary in 1989 was about 20 percent oI the correspondent salary in the
private sector, and was only 5 percent Ior unskilled staII (Ijeldstad and Tungodden, 2003).
2.7.3 Poor working condition and little encouragement
Poor working condition and little encouragement Ior staII to exercise initiative Working
condition were generally characterized by a lack oI technical equipment and poor oIIice
Iacilities. Moreover, the criteria Ior recruitment, promotion, and rewards oI staII and
management are unclear to substantial discretion (Barber and Mclaren, 1997).
22
2.7.4 Low probability of detection and punishment for corruption
Low probability oI detection and punishment Ior corruption internal auditing and monitoring
Iunctions had become Ior the most part non-operative and inIective due to weak management
and poor inIormation. In practice, the probability oI being detected and punished Ior corruption
was virtually nonexistent. (Barber, 1997)
Two glaring administrative challenges remain. This Iirst is the continued diIIiculty oI achieving
Iull integration oI the diIIerent tax agencies, as well as eIIective collaboration with other relevant
branches oI government. Experience in other countries suggests that one oI the most eIIective
means to improve the equitable and eIIicient collection oI revenue is improve inIormation
sharing between agencies (Terkper, 1998). He added that, the simple ability to cross reIerence
tax Iilings across agencies has the potential to more general level, the challenge oI tax collection
is Iundamentally about inIormational and the ability to draw on multiple inIormation sources to
identiIy taxpayers and their actual tax liability. Thus, being able to draw on inIormation Irom,
among others, the Registrar General, the Department oI Vehicle oI Licensing and Administration
(DVLA) and the Ministry oI lands, Forestry and Mines, holds huge potential Ior improving tax
collection through greater knowledge oI the assets and activities oI taxpayers. Yet these Iorms oI
inIormation sharing remain Iar too limited, owing to bureaucratic inIighting, and an overall
absence oI the political will to bring the assets oI high net worth individuals more clearly into the
public eye. The second challenge and the most Iailure is to implement an eIIective IT system
within the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD). Discussion oI the need Ior improved use oI
IT has been ongoing Ior more than a decade and has involved major external pressure as well as
important internal voices. Yet, the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) remains an almost
23
entirely manual system. While six oIIices in Accra have recently been involved in a relatively
successIul pilot automation program with support Irom the German development agency GTZ,
concerns remain about the willingness oI the government to pursue the project at the national
level.
It is possible to point to Iour general areas oI signiIicant revenue loss, though precise estimates
oI tax incidence are notoriously problematic. The Iirst is a general inability to tax large inIormal
sectors that have most recently been estimated at between 30 and 60 oI total economic
activity in most developing countries. The second is an inability to tax proIessionals who provide
diIIicult to monitor service, such as consultancy or legal advice. The third is the diIIiculty oI
taxing capital income. This is particularly true when capital income is held overseas, as it is
hugely unlikely that such income will be reported, while the tax administration generally lacks
the capacity to purse such cases eIIectively. The Iinal issue is the inability to tax rental income
and property, both oI which would be progressive and yield signiIicant revenue Ghana is
generally no diIIerent Irom this overall story, with reasonable levels oI corporate tax collection
and low levels oI income tax collection overwhelmingly drawn Irom withholding taxes (Bird and
Zolt, 2005).
According to Tax Justice Network (2005), Tax avoidance is a signiIicant issue including through
Ialse invoicing and trade mispricing. The root oI the problem is a lack oI capacity to monitor and
audit Iirms, and to amend exiting laws when loopholes are identiIied.
Shepherd and Gyimah-Boadi (2004) wrote, 'A major Iactor impending tax collection is the lack
oI identiIication oI potential tax payers. As a result it is those in the Iormal sector who are
burdened with tax with this lack oI identity it is diIIicult to establish tax payers` income to Iorm
oI levying tax.
24
Osei-Dadzie (2009), stated, 'The Revenue are poorly equipped. The Domestic Tax Revenue
Division (DTRD) is yet to be computerized and even ordinary calculators to work with are
lacking in some oI the oIIices. The government has identiIied such deIiciencies and is seriously
addressing these problems. For instance in April, I presented some calculators to the
Agbogbloshie oIIices oI the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD).
2.7.5 Lack of Equipment
Lack oI appropriate equipment to work with has resulted in a situation where inIormation on
potential tax payers is not even captured. In some circumstances oIIicers collude with taxpayers
to cheat the system through quoting lower Iigures than the state deserves as tax. Some even
exploit the ignorance/illiteracy oI taxpayer to rob them. Still other does not exhibit high levels oI
proIessionalism in treating the tax payers. The concept oI customer service is alien to our
culture (Kagina, 2004)
2.7.6 Embezzlement of Tax Revenue
The weak administrative capacity makes it diIIicult to monitor the numerous payments made on
weekly basis. These executives oI the groups keep tax collection to themselves and turn them
over beIore paying to the tax authorities. These cause problems oI delayed payments. In extreme
situations, the executives embezzle monies collected without much action Ior recovery by the tax
authorities.
2S
2.7.7 Cost of Collection Was Exorbitant
The cost oI stationery and printing receipt books coupled with commission paid to the executives
made cost oI collection high in spite oI its simplicity in collection. This high cost violates the
Adam Smith`s economy- one oI the Iour cannons oI tax system.
2.7.8 Poor Record Keeping by the Associations
High levels oI illiteracy and the low level oI education among members oI the association, result
in poor record keeping by the association making accounting and auditing procedures diIIicult
(World Bank, 2002).
2.8 Tools for Easy Tax Administration
Adom (1998), said there should be a provision in the tax laws to establish a special court to try
tax cases. But unIortunately this has not been established, causing delays in the adjudication oI
tax disputes. He mentioned that a draIt bill, designed to bring together all the laws relating to
direct taxation, must be prepared and be placed beIore Parliament Ior consideration. In addition,
he said special taxpayers, and urged the tax-paying public to co-operate with income tax
administration by voluntarily providing inIormation on tax-evaders.
Okine (1998) Re-echoed the call by the above authors Ior increased budgetary allocations to the
revenue authorities to enable them to improve their perIormance to meet national aspirations it`s
suggested the introduction oI stringent provisions in the existing tax laws, including both Iines
and jail terms Ior tax evasion and smuggling. The CEPS Commissioner noted that it has almost
26
become acceptable Ior people to dupe the system and get away with it and said some seriousness
should be made to bear on tax law so that oIIenders are with drastically.
At a more general level, eIIective automation oI the tax authorities would dramatically improve
overall Iiscal transparency and capacity oI the government to monitor illicit activities. This is
particularly important in light oI the major oil revenues that will enter the system Irom 2010 or
2011 (Mckay, 2007).
An eIIicient and eIIective tax regime thrives in the presence oI well developed Para tax
proIessions. In the absence oI qualiIied accountants, auditors etc. whose work impact directly or
indirectly on tax administration, the system Ialter. Accordingly, well trained proIessionals within
the national economy could constitute an integral component in improving the organizational
structure oI the tax administration (Kagina, 2004).
There are simply too many taxes in our system with some even overlapping. It is suggested that
extant tax laws are reviewed periodically with all amendments and changes consolidated. Both
tax administrators and taxpayers can have ready and easy access to the updated tax position
(Kagina, 2004).
Recruitment oI staII should be so designed as to ensure that the Revenue agencies are adequately
and eIIectively staIIed. Training is also recognized as an important pre-requisite oI eIIicient and
tax administration (Kagina, 2004).
Revenue staII as the organizations greatest assets must be well qualiIied and well-motivated
especially so when the competition is keen. Adequate motivation eliminates or greatly reduces
27
the incidence oI dishonesty and corruption. Not only will staII not engage in activities that may
result in a loss to the state but also contribute to taxpayers being more conIident in the tax
administration (Kagina, 2004).
To enhance the capacity oI tax administration, a computerization process has been initiated to
computerize all the tax Districts in Accre-Tema Metropolitan Area. Plans are Iar advanced to
open sub-oIIices and collection points to make the services oI the Domestic Tax Revenue
Division (DTRD) more available to the tax payer (Osei- Dadzie, 2009).
Terkper, (1998) wrote 'Through the assistance oI Revenue Mobilization Support (RMS) OF
German technical Co-operation. Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) staII together with
staII Irom the RAGB and a partner visited Tanzania to study their ITAX soItware developed by
GTZ AND Tanzania Revenue Authority Ior tax administration systems.
At the instance oI Government, Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) staIIs have been
selected to participate in a World Bank sponsored project on e-Ghana. A major component oI
this project is e-Government which aims at improving the eIIiciency oI selected Government
services through the use oI public/private partnerships (Baine, 2006).
To improve on policy analysis in the area oI Taxation a Tax Policy Unit (TPU) has been set up at
the Ministry oI Finance and Economic Planning. It is hoped that the Unit will collaborate
strongly with the Revenue agencies, especially the Research and Monitoring Departments, to
strengthen their PerIormance (Baine, 2006).
Potential tax payers and investors can obtain inIormation about their liability to direct taxes. The
Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) has intensiIied its eIIorts at educating the public on tax
28
issues. A key element oI the tax administrative reIorm is to move existing revenue departments
out oI the Ministry oI Finance into a semi-autonomous revenue authority overseen by a Iairly
independent Board oI Directors. The objective behind this move is mainly to provide incentives
Ior the staII to improve its perIormance and thereby increase revenues (Osei, 2000).
A revenue authority, established outside the civil service system, is not bound to wage rates and
employment regulations that apply to other sectors oI government (Devas et al, 2001). This mean
that the Tax Authority, in principle, can pay rates which will enable it to attract and retain highly
qualiIied staII. Hence, there should be consultants involved in setting up the recommended
management and proIessional staII remuneration that should be competitive with the private
sector.
The reIorm should strengthen accounting and internal monitoring systems and curtailed the
opportunity oI tax oIIicers to use their own discretion in dealing with cases. The general scarcity
oI qualiIied accountants, lawyers, and IT-experts in Kumasi Metropolis means, however, that the
Authority would also have only small numbers oI these proIessionals (Therkildsen, 2004).
Also working conditions Ior employees should be improved by upgrading oIIices, expanding
computer services, purchasing vehicles, and so on. Thus the initial Iocus was mainly o internal
matters; less attention was paid to the Authority`s external relations (Devas et al, 2001).
'Motivation oI staII to make them resist any temptation to collude with taxpayers to evade tax is
another major challenge Iaced by tax administrators, an issue which is not oIten given the
attention that it deserves Mr. Asamoah reported to a Iorum in 2005 that revenue institutions
29
have to sometimes organize training sessions Ior taxpayer on the existing tax laws and
regulations and how they aIIect them.
Annan (2008), wrote that it is very crucial at this time oI the nation`s development, that
education on tax payment is intensiIied Ior the public to wake up to its tax obligations. 'People
will obviously not want to pay taxes iI they are not well educated to accept the need to do so.
Drastic measures must be put in place to break the culture oI corruption in the administration.
All Iormer revenue staII, including the revenue commissioners, should be transIerred to the
Authority and employed on a probation basis (Therikildsen, 2004). BenIul stated 'In summary to
ensure that government has enough revenue to undertake its activities, Domestic Tax Revenue
Division (DTRD) needs to do the Iollowing:
I. Ensure more eIIicient tax collection system without necessary adding Iurther burden
upon the taxpayer;
II. Educate everyone in the country on the importance oI paying taxes;
III. Improve the tax administration that is Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) must
ensure all eligible taxpayers Iile tax returns, have tax revenue programs and administer
them Iairly and manage the associated risk;
IV. EnIorce existing laws and in this Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) must produce
an enIorcement procedures and practice manual;
V. Reduce corruption and the incidence oI revenue intended Ior government going to line
the pockets oI oIIicials
30
VI. Examine the tax laws and where necessary prepare advice Ior Government on possible
amendments. He added 'in my opinion, higher tax revenues can be reached, without
additional burdens on businesses, taxpayers and the economy iI there is political will to
resolve the problems in the current taxation systems introduce a single TIN and reduce
corruption by improving upon governance and accountability.
2.9 Organisational Profile of Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD)
The Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) is one oI the very important institutions in Ghana
as Iar as tax administration is concerned. The Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) has
witnessed so much reIorms Irom 1943((i.e. its inception) to date.
There is even the possibility that it might undergo some restructuring in the Iuture to meet the
challenges oI time.
The service was established in 1943 when Iirst Iormal income tax was imposed
The Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) as a revenue agency is very strategic in the
achievement oI national goals. It has thereIore embarked on a mission oI improving the quality
oI service delivery to tax payers and the general public through simpliIying processes and
clariIying rules and procedures.
The objective is to create a customer-oriented revenue collection organization Iocused in
providing quality services to enhance voluntary tax compliance.
Below is the structure oI the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD)
31
2.9.1 Organisational Structure Of Domestic Tax Revenue Division (Dtrd)
THE COMMISSIONER
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
CHIEF INSPECTOR OF TAX
PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF
TAX
INSPECTOR OF TAX
ASSISTANT INSPECTOR OF
TAX
JUNIOR INSPECTOR OF TAX
32
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter discusses how the necessary data needed Ior this research was gathered. The section
provides inIormation on the research methodology and techniques used to conduct the study. It
deIines the population Irom which the sample was selected and describes the sampling
procedures used to select the sample size. It also discusses the research design and the method oI
data collection which mainly involved in-depth interview. Data organization and analysis are
also included in this chapter.
The primary source make use oI questionnaires, interview, and records written by people who
bear witness to an event and also direct observation, participant observation and physical
artiIacts. The researchers used the Iollowing to collecting primary data (i.e. Personal interviews
and Questionnaire)
The secondary data was mainly Irom already existing inIormation and made use oI publications
such as books, journals, articles, the internet sources and many other already established Iacts.
3.1 Research Design
The study adopted descriptive research which describes phenomena as they exist. Descriptive
research is used to identiIy and obtain inIormation on the characteristics oI a particular problem
or issue. Under the descriptive research, data collected is oIten quantitative and statistical
techniques are used to summarize the inIormation. This approach was adopted to gather the data
33
because it helps to get opinions, attitudes and description. Also the researcher collected data on
one occasion with the same respondents rather than on the same subject at diIIerent times.
3.2 Population and Sampling
3.2.1 Target Population
Welman and Kruger (1999:18) contend that 'a population encompasses the entire collection oI
cases (or units) about which we wish to make conclusions. The above deIinition is supported by
Huysamen (1998:2), who described a population as 'the total collection oI individuals who are
potentially available Ior observation and who have the attributes common to those which the
research questions reIer.The target population oI this study is staII and taxpayers oI Asokwa
Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD)
3.2.2 Sample Size
Saunders et al. (2007) indicated that the size oI the sample and the way in which it is selected
will deIinitely have implication Ior the conIidence you can have in your data and the extent to
which you can generalize. Owing to the Iact that the population oI Asokwa Domestic Tax
Revenue Division (DTRD) is very large, the study selected sixty (60) staIIs and sixty (60)
taxpayers which Iell with the target group. Sample size selection was based on the reliability oI
the response.
3.2.3 Sampling Techniques
Sekaran (2003) wrote that sampling is the process oI selecting a suIIicient number oI elements
Irom a population so that by studying the sample and understanding the properties or
34
characteristics oI the sample, researchers will be able to generalize the properties oI the sample
to the population. Convenience sampling was used to select the respondents. With this, sampling
is chosen Ior ease or convenience rather through random sampling. This is oIten used at least in
pilot studies or short term projects where is insuIIicient time to construct a probability sample.
This ensured that all categories oI employees and customers have the chance oI being selected as
respondent. It was used to ensure greater representation thus, avoiding any signiIicant bias on the
part oI the researchers.
3.3 sources of data
The researchers collected data Ior the study Irom two main sources. These sources are primary
and secondary sources oI data.
The primary sources oI data are those collected by the researcher through the administration oI
questionnaires and interviews granted. They are Iirst-hand inIormation collected by the
researchers.
The secondary data are data collected by the researcher Irom magazines and other sources like
quotes by researchers on this topic. They were already in existence.
3.4 Data Collection Instruments
3.4.1 Questionnaire
In this study, questionnaires were used as the primary research instrument. The questionnaires
included mostly closed- ended type oI questions (pre-coded) that make it simpler Ior the
respondents and also Ior easy analysis. The nature oI the study was explained to respondents, and
3S
respondents` conIidentiality oI any inIormation provided was also assured. Respondents were
provided with detailed instructions as to how the questionnaires will be completed and returned.
The rationale behind providing clear instructions and assuring conIidentiality oI inIormation was
based on the Iact that, this signiIicantly reduces the likelihood oI obtaining biased responses
(Sekaran, 2003).
The questionnaire used is in two Iolds. The Iirst Iold is designed Ior staIIs and the second Iold
Ior taxpayers.
3.4.2 Unpublished and Published Data
Secondary sources oI data collection were obtained Ior additional inIormation. The study relied
on both unpublished and published data such as, articles Irom academic journals and the internet
which were related to the topic. Sources oI all secondary data are duly acknowledged at the
reIerence section oI the research. The Internal Revenue Act, Act 592, 2000 was an invaluable
source oI inIormation.
3.5 DATA ANALYSIS
The data so collected was analyzed using percentages, tables and bar charts. The data were
analyzed with regards to the two units (DTRD and the sole traders). Tables were used to make
reading very easy. Explanations were given to throw light on some oI the tables to promote
Iurther understanding oI the results oI the presentation and manual calculator will be used.
Finally, the analyses data was summarized in Chapter Iive.
36
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS, PRESENTATION, ANALYSES AND DISCUSSION
4.0 Introduction
This chapter looks at how the data collected was being analyzed. The data was analyzed with
respect to each oI the units selected (the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) The data was
analyzed with respect to the Iollowing objectives oI the study:
To identiIy the tools that ensures smooth Ior and easily operation in tax administration
in Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD)
To identiIy Iactors that motivates people to pay tax.
To examine iI GRA has adequate human resource and logistics.
To examine the problems tax administrations Iace.
To examine the problem that Iace GRA- Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD)
To Iind an eIIicient and eIIective way oI collecting taxes. The two units oI analysis will
however be treated separately in respect oI the Iocus oI the individual questionnaires.
Twenty questionnaires were distributed to the respondents at the Domestic Tax Revenue
Division (DTRD) and all oI them were returned. The objectives oI the questionnaires were to
Iind out the Iinancial as well as the employee-needs oI the service.
4.1 Background of Respondents
The respondents were asked some question concerning their background. The table below shows
the results.
37
Table 4. 1: Age of Respondents
Age Group Freq.
18-25 15 25
26-40 25 42
41-60 11 18
61 &above 9 15
Total 60 100
Source: Field Study, June, 2013
From table 4.1, the result show that majority oI the respondent 42 are between the ages oI 26 -
40 years. Only 15 are 60 and above , which may imply that older people are either not engage
in income generating activities or are evading tax.
Table 4. 2: Marital Status of Respondent
Status Frequency Percentage ( )
Single 9 15
Married 48 80
Divorce 3 5
TOTAL 60 100
Source: Field study, 1une, 2013
The result Irom table 4.2 showed that 80 oI tax payers are married while only 15 oI them are
single. This may be because most young people are not engage in income generating activities.
38
Table 4.3: Educational Background of Respondents
Level Freq.
Basic 41 68.34
Tertiary 14 23.33
Others 5 8.33
Total 60 100
Table 4.3 present the Educational Background oI the respondent. From the table, one can see that
68.3 oI the tax payers have only basic education while only 23.3 oI those who have tertiary
education pay tax. This Iinding suggests that people who are highly educated are not pay tax as
expected.
Table 4.4: Male Employees
Age Group Freq.
20-30 13 18.6
30-40 18 25.7
41-50 30 42.9
51and above 9 12.8
Total 70 100
Source: Field Study: 1une 2013
The result as depicted by table 4.4 showed that majority oI the male employees oI DTRD are
between the ages oI 41-50 years, whiles 18.6 are below 30 years. These Iindings suggest that
Source: Field study, 1une, 2013
39
majority oI the employees are almost getting to the retired age at the same time, the young
employees are very Iew which less than 20 is.
Table 4.5: Female employees
Age Group Freq.
20-30 6 30
31-40 4 20
41-50 7 35
51and above 3 15
Total 20 100
Source: Field Study, 1une, 2013
The Iemale employees painted a diIIerent picture. Have only15 oI Iemale employee are above
50 years while 50 are below 40years. When compare with male counterpart, one can see that
44.3 oI the male are below 40 years.
4.2 Staffing Issues
The total number oI staII in the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) was Hundred (100).
Out oI the total number, Seventy Percent (70) were males and Thirty percent (20) were
Iemales and the remaining Ten Percent (10) were national Service Personnel.
Table: 4.6 Distribution of staff
NUMBER OF STAFF PERCENTAGES ()
MALES 70
FEMALES 20
NATIONAL SERVICE PERSONNEL:
MALES
FEMALES
4
6
TOTAL 100
Source: Research Survey 1une, 2013
40
This is shown in the bar chart as follows:
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
MALES FEMALES SERVICE
PERSONNELS
SERV. P FEMALES
SERV. P MALES
FEMALES
MALES.
4.3 Problem That Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) Faces
Factors that staII oI DTRD Iace is explained below, 35 respondents thus 58.33 disagreed to the
question that 'do tax payers Iile their return on time; 10 respondents representing 16.67
agreed to the question that does the staII oI DTRD have suIIicient tools used in assessing tax
payers and the remaining IiIty respondent representing 83.33 disagreed. On the question on iI
the number oI staII is suIIicient Ior the work, 15 respondents representing 25 oI the sampled
agreed to question while 45 respondents representing 75 disagreed.
41
Table: 4.7 Response on Problems Faced By Tax Payers
Factors Yes response No response Percentage
Yes No
SatisIaction with
assessment method
18 42 30 70
Awareness oI tax
relieI
11 49 18.33 81.67
Convince oI
payments
24 36 40 60
4.4 Registered Business with the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD)
There are thousand Iive hundred (1500) businesses within the area. Out oI the total number, Nine
Hundred which represent Sixty percent (60) have registered with the Domestic Tax Revenue
Division (DTRD) and the remaining Six hundred have not.
Table: 4.8 Data showing the registered business with the Domestic Tax Revenue Division
(DTRD)
DTRD REGISTRATION NUMBER OF BUSINESS PERCENTAGE ()
REGISTERED 900 60
NON- REGISTERED 600 40
TOTAL 1500 100
Source: Research Survey May 2013
42
This can be illustrated in the Chart below:
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
REGISTERED NON-REGISTERED
NON-REGISTERED
REGISTERED
The Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) admitted that they encountered problems in
collecting the taxes oI which the causes were:
Ignorance oI the tax returns
Delay in Iilling returns
Negligence in Iiling returns
Inability oI the government to put all the tax laws in one book
4.9 Keeping of records of the Business
Response Frequency Percentage
Yes 15 25
No 30 50
IndiIIerent 15 25
Total 60 100
Source: Field study, June, 2013
43
The table explains what type oI records traders in the Metropolis keep. Out oI the sixty (60)
respondents, IiIteen (15) people representing 25 keep records oI their businesses. Thirty (30)
people, representing 50 Iorm the large part oI the respondents keep no Iorm oI records. This
implies that, most traders do not keep records oI their businesses. These respondents have little
or no basic education at all. Their reason was that, they do not know how to keep any records
and cannot aIIord to pay somebody to do that since it will be costly.
4.5 Problems OF Tax Administration
According to the oIIicials oI Domestic Tax Revenue Division, so many problems have been
encountered in the general administration oI tax in Ghana and the Kumasi Metropolis is not
excluded. Various comprehensive reIorms in tax administration have been implemented but
could not solve the problem. They also hinted that despite dramatic improvement in the tax
collection, the success oI Ghanaian tax collection and Ior that matter Kumasi Metropolis remains
subject to very large leakages. These leakages are as a result oI weak administration, which is a
reIlection oI the oII-cited claim that in developing countries 'tax administration is tax policy.
Tax administration is divided among three primary agencies, the Domestic Tax Revenue
Division, the Value Added Tax Service (VATs) and the Custom Excise and Preventive Services
(CEPS).
They said some oI the problems are Irom the government, according to them, due to their
maniIesto and promises given to the people, they will want to do something to show their
appreciation to their Iollowers and so implement certain policies which will hinder the progress
oI measures already been put in place.
44
4.6 Problems Faced by the GRA in Tax Administration
Almost all the respondents said there is designed soItware to assist in the administration oI tax.
The manual way oI computing tax is practiced. This really delays operation said some oI them.
Some also said tax payers do not comply with them. Another salient point raised by the
respondents is the bureaucracy in the system. They said this is causing problems in
administration oI tax. Some top oIIicials said lack oI well-trained personnel is also a serious
problem. Respondents said there are not enough logistics and suIIicient staII in the service. They
also said high illiteracy rate on the part oI tax payers poses problems in the administration oI tax.
Another problem is the improper bookkeeping on the part oI tax payers.
4.7 Logistics
The research Iindings showed that the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) was Iurnished
with inadequate logistics such as stationery like pen, papers etc. computer to carry on the daily
activities, provision on equipment which will aid in the collection oI taxes by tax oIIicials. For
instance, there were Hundred (100) vehicles parked in Iront oI their compound but Eighty (80) oI
them were outmoded which needs replacement and only Twenty (20) were working which were
used to carry on educational programs on the need to pay taxes regularly and this is shown in the
table below:
Table: 4.10 Data showing the number of vehicles functioning at the Domestic Tax Revenue
Division (DTRD)
DTRD VEHICLES NUMBER OF VEHICLES PERCENTAGE ()
FUNCTIONING 80 60
NON- FUNCTIONING 20 40
TOTAL 100 100
Source: Research Survey 1une, 2013
4S
This can be illustrated on the chart below:
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
FUNCTIONING NON- FUNCTIONING
NON- FUNCTIONING
VEHICLES FUNCTIONING
4.8 Condition of Service
The organizational Iindings showed that the employees who are understaIIed in the Domestic
Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) are not motivated enough iI they perIorm any overtime work and
due to this their relationship with management is not encouraging. Allowances to be paid to the
national service persons and the attaches are also not encouraging.
4.9 Action Taken Against Tax Defaulters
Respondents said invitation notes are issued to tax payers. Locking oI premises oI workers is the
next step when tax payers reIuse or deIault tax. 'Charging oI penalties serves as a deterrent to
others, they said. Some also said reIusal to issue them with Tax Clearance CertiIicate which is
so important to them will boost them to pay tax. Most oI them said arranging them beIore law
court should be the last option.
46
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
5.0 Introduction
In this chapter, the researcher summarizes the study, make recommendations and conclude Ior
Iurther research works.
5.1 Summary of Findings
It is undeniably clear that, the progress and development oI every nation depends largely on her
internally generated Iunds. A country is to generate the major part oI her revenue internally Ior
development. It is also clear that, Ior a developing country, the larger portion oI its Iunds
generated internally would come Irom taxation.
UnIortunately, as the study has revealed, as much as it is diIIicult to get tax payers Ior tax
assessment and payment. Tax administrators also Iace some challenges in their work. The Iactors
which inIluence this can be ascribed partly to the tax payers, partly to the tax assessment staII
and partly to the authorities.
The study showed that, the educational level oI majority oI tax payers is low. Because oI this,
they see no reason to pay taxes. Again, they are unable to keep proper records oI their day to day
transactions.
As the analysis Iurther revealed, some oI the tax assessment staII have little or no knowledge in
accounting and taxation. For this reason, they lack the ability to educate tax payers on the need to
pay tax and the importance oI taxes. This aIIect those immensely in the tax assessment work.
Majority oI them are also not committed to the work since they are not motivated enough. Again,
47
they also do not establish any cordial relationship with the tax payers which intimidate the tax
payers in approaching the tax oIIicials.
The study Iurther revealed that, motivation and training are some oI the tools used to get the best
Irom any staII. However, tax authorities do not motivate them enough to get the best out oI them.
They are also not given regular training to improve upon their skills. Another point is that, some
tools that would have eased their work are not supplied by the tax authorities which impede their
operations.
Though majority oI the GRA staII contacted have received some Iorm oI training since joining
the department and some still have not received any sort oI training at all.
Furthermore, the study revealed that the GRA lack the necessary logistics needed Ior smooth
operation oI the work.
In addition, the study showed that, tax payers do not honor their work tax obligation as is
expected oI them. Thus, the study revealed that there is a deliberate act on the part oI tax payers,
partly due to ignorance and partly due to lack oI education.
The study revealed that the actions taken against tax deIaulters are so sensitive that it does not
have the desired impact on tax payers in order to meet their obligations.
The study Iurther revealed that, majority oI the selI-employed are in their prime ages that, iI the
right mechanism are put in place, are expected to contribute immensely to the national coIIers.
Deliberating on whether sole traders have registered their business, the study revealed that, some
business owners do not even know the reasons why they have registered their business.
On beneIits they receive Irom the payment oI taxes, the study revealed that, tax payers claim not
to receive any sort beneIits Irom paying taxes.
48
5.2 Recommendations
Based on the study and Iindings, the researchers have made the Iollowing recommendations
which iI adhered to will in the long run help reduce signiIicantly the challenges in the
administration oI income tax in Ghana by Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The Iinding suggest that majority oI the employees are almost getting to retiring age and the
young employees are Iew , in the researchers` opinion the GRA need to employ more young skill
people to replace them in order to speed up the work. GRA should make it a point to organize a
Iorum Ior the tax payers in which they will be educated on the need to pay tax. This, the
researchers believes will help change the mindset oI tax payers as Iar as tax payments are
concerned.
The tax payers should also be well inIormed that through the taxes they pay, the government is
able to provide some social amenities and inIrastructures like schools, hospitals, roads etc. They
should be made aware that, all these Iacilities involve a lot oI money which without the
collective contribution oI all cannot come into being. Again, the tax payers should be taught
some basics in record keeping so that they will be able to keep records oI their day to day
activities and transactions. This will help the traders in determining the growth rate oI their
business and at same time ease the work oI the tax assessment staII oI the GRA.
Traders who deIault in the payment oI taxes should be made to Iace the Iull consequences oI
their acts to serve as a deterrent to others.
The GRA should make it a point to organize educational program Ior its staII and eIIective in-
service and on-the-job training Ior the public who are paying the tax.
49
The staII should also be educated to use their oIIice to intimidate the public but act cordially with
them to create conducive environment in the long run. The GRA should provide the necessary
tools which will ease the work oI the GRA staII vehicles, computers, built-in-soItware and the
public address system. These Iacilities will ease their operations.
The GRA authorities should put in place proper incentives packages to motivate the staII to give
out their best. Examples oI such mechanisms are Iree transportation, Iree medical care, overtime
allowances, promotion oI hardworking staII, Iree canteen services, scholarship Ior wards oI
hardworking staII, etc.
The GRA should maintain strict methods oI punishment on those who deIault in the payment oI
the taxes. This will deter others Irom deIaulting in payment oI taxes.
A key element oI the tax administrative reIorm in Kumasi is to move the existing revenue
department out oI the Ministry oI Finance into a semi-autonomous revenue authority overseen by
a Iairly independent board oI directors. The objective behind this move is mainly to provide
incentives Ior the staII to improve its perIormance and thereby increasing revenue (Osei, 2000)
A revenue authority, established outside the civil service system, is not bound by wage rate and
employment regulations that apply to other sectors oI government (Davas et al, 2001:p.214).
This means that the tax authorities in GRA in principle can pay rates which will enable it to
attract and retain highly qualiIied staII. Hence, there should be consultants involved in setting up
the recommended management and proIessional staII remuneration that should be competitive
with the private sector.
The reIorm should strengthen accounting and internal monitoring systems and curtailed the
opportunity oI tax oIIicers to use their own discussion in dealing with cases. The general security
S0
oI qualiIied accountants, lawyers, and IT experts in Kumasi means, however, that the authority
would also have only small numbers oI these proIessionals (Therkildsen, 2004, p.71).
Also working conditions Ior employees should be improved by upgrading oIIices, expanding
computer services, purchasing vehicles Ior services and so on. Thus, the initial Iocus was mainly
on internal matters, less attention was paid to the Authority`s external relations (Devas et al,
2001, p.215).
'Motivation oI staII to make them resist any temptation to collude with taxpayers to evade tax is
another major challenge Iaced by tax administrators, an issue which is not oIten given the
attention that it deserves Mr. Asamoah reported to a Iorum in 2005 that revenue institutions
have to sometimes organize training sessions Ior taxpayer on the existing tax laws and
regulations and how they aIIect them.
Annan (2008), wrote that it is very crucial at this time oI the nation`s development, that
education on tax payment is intensiIied Ior the public to wake up to its tax obligations. 'People
will obviously not want to pay taxes iI they are not well educated to accept the need to do so.
Drastic measures must be put in place to break the culture oI corruption in the administration.
All Iormer revenue staII, including the revenue commissioners, should be transIerred to the
Authority and employed on a probation basis (Therikildsen, 2004). BenIul stated 'In summary to
ensure that government has enough revenue to undertake its activities, Domestic Tax Revenue
Division (DTRD) needs to do the Iollowing:
Ensure more eIIicient tax collection system without necessary adding Iurther burden
upon the taxpayer;
Educate everyone in the country on the importance oI paying taxes;
S1
Improve the tax administration that is Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) must
ensure all eligible taxpayers Iile tax returns, have tax revenue programs and administer
them Iairly and manage the associated risk;
EnIorce existing laws and in this Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) must produce
an enIorcement procedures and practice manual;
Reduce corruption and the incidence oI revenue intended Ior government going to line
the pockets oI oIIicials
Examine the tax laws and where necessary prepare advice Ior Government on possible
amendments. He added 'in my opinion, higher tax revenues can be reached, without
additional burdens on businesses, taxpayers and the economy iI there is political will to
resolve the problems in the current taxation systems introduce a single TIN and reduce
corruption by improving upon governance and accountability.
The needs to motivate the staIIs and the taxpayers.
Recruitment oI more staIIs Ior the work.
Repairs and maintenance oI logistics, such as vans computers etc.
Employing more young experience and skillIul people to replace the retiring age.
S2
5.3 Conclusions
As much as a country can beneIit Irom external sources, her major reliable source oI Iunds is the
one generated internally. In a developing country, taxation is one oI the major Iorces behind
which the country can develop. Whiles GRA is one oI the agencies which can mobilize such
Iunds Ior the beneIit oI the nations; it is not easy to Iind tax payers Ior assessment and eventually
to pay their taxes. The researchers are Iully convinced that, iI all suggestions are Iully
implemented, it will go a long way Ior the maximum beneIit oI taxation.
S3
REFERENCES
Abdallah, A. N (2008), taxation in Ghana, pp 12-18
Adom, D. (1998), Ghana News Agencv, pp 4-6
Andah P.O Ghana Income Tax Law and Practice Vol 1 sedco Publication ltd Accra
Ampofo, Y. (1998), Ghanaian Times pp3-4
Baba, M. (1987), Problems of tax collection in Kumasi metropolis p 32
Bird, 1. Zott, R (2005), Revenue Generation London, Mc Graw-Hill pp 32-34
Casanegra, 1. (1990), Assisting Tax Pavers in meeting their obligations, Washington,
international Monetary Fund pp 2-4
Devas, F. (2001), Readings on taxation in developing countries, p 504, The John Hopkins press,
Baltimore, 1964
Elliot, T (2000), Tax Reform for business growth, p57, OxIam America
Fjeldstad, B, Tungodden, 1. (2003), whv People pav tax, p 43, Cornell University press
Serebour, E, (1998), Dailv Graphic No. 1332sp 12
Internal Revenue Service (2006) - Quarterly Journal Volume 8pp 17 &18
Kaufman, R. (2000), World development on Taxation pp12-29, Cornell University press
Kumankuma, N. S. (1992), collection of Tax bv IRS, pp 19-20, Comm. oI IRS
Kumenya R. (1996), Dailv Graphic No.1438. Pp3-4
Lakettery, K.L. (1994), The Studv of Tax Svstems, pp34-40, Harper Collins, London
Mckay ,A. (2007), Growth with povertv Reduction, Palgrave-Macmillan pp23-32
S4
Musyoka, A. (2011), responses to Africa Economic Decline, Columbia University press pp54-
57
Nsor- Ambala, R (1994), A REFERENCE Book for Taxation in Ghana Volume 1 pp11, UGU;
publishing house
Osei-Dadzie,S. (2009), AN Anatomv of Ghana Politics, Tolley Publishing Co, Croydon-England
pp8-10
Oppong-Sem Akosua (2011)
Rose-Ackerman, Susan. (2006), International handbook on the Economics of corruption p2,
Blackwell Publisher
Richard M. Bird and Milka C de 1ansher (1992)
SS
APPENDIX A
CHRISTIAN SERVICE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMNISTRATION (ACCOUNTING)
PRO1ECT WORK QUESTIONNAIRE
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR DOMESTIC TAX REVENUE DIVISION (DTRD) STAFF
I am a student Irom the accountancy department oI Christian Service University College. I am
conducting a student`s project work on the topic 'Challenges oI Tax Administration in Ghana: A
case study oI GRA- Domestic Tax OIIice Kumasi.
I would be very grateIul iI you could provide me with the Iollowing inIormation. You are
assured that any inIormation will be treated CONFIDENTIAL. Thank you.
Please, tick | | appropriately and give explanation where necessary.
1. Sex: Male | | Female | |
2. Age: A. 20-25 | | B. 26-30 | | C. 31-35 | | D. 36-40 | | E. 41-50 | | F. 51 G. ABOVE | |
3. Level oI education: Basic | | Secondary | | Tertiary | |
4. Do taxpayers Iile their returns on time? Yes | | No | |
5. II yes when do they Iile returns? Monthly | | Quarterly | | HalI-yearly | | Yearly | |.
6. Is the number oI staII suIIicient Ior the work? Yes | | No | |
7. How many staII do you need Ior the oIIice?
a. 15
b. 20
c. 35
d. Other
8. Do you have suIIicient tool used in assessing taxpayers?
Yes | | No | |
S6
9. How oIten do you educate taxpayers on the need to pay tax?
a. Monthly | |
b. Quarterly | |
c. Yearly | |
d. Always | |
e. Do not at all | |
10. Which oI the Iollowing tax relieIs do you grant to taxpayers?
a. Marriage | |
b. Aged | |
c. LiIe Assurance | |
d. Personal | |
11. Have you ever had any misunderstanding with taxpayers in the operation oI your duty?
Yes | | No | |
12. Do you have means oI transport?
Yes | | No | |
S7
APPENDIX B
CHRISTIAN SERVICE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMNISTRATION (ACCOUNTING)
PRO1ECT WORK QUESTIONNAIRE
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TAXPAYER
I am a student Irom the accountancy department oI Christian Service University College. I am
conducting a student`s project work on the topic 'Challenges oI Tax Administration in Ghana:
A case study oI GRA - Domestic Tax OIIice Kumasi.
I would be very grateIul iI you could provide me with the Iollowing inIormation. You are
assured that any inIormation will be treated CONFIDENTIAL. Thank you.
Please, tick | | appropriately and give explanation where necessary.
1. Sex: Male | | Female | |
2. Age: A. 20-25 | | B. 26-30 | | C. 31-35 | | D 36-40 | | E. 41-50 | | F. 51-ABOVE
| |
3. Marital Status Single | | Married | | Other SpeciIy .....
4. Level oI education: Basic | | Secondary | | Tertiary | |.
5. Number oI years in the business? 1-5 | | 6-10 | | 11 and Above | |
6. Do you understand the tax assessment?
Yes | | No | |
7. Are you satisIied with the current method oI tax assessment? Yes | | No | |
8. How oIten do you pay your tax? Monthly | | HalI-yearly | |
9. Is the timing oI your payment convenient? Yes | | No | |
10. Where do you pay your tax?
S8
DTRD OIIice | |
District Assembly | |
Kiosk erected by DTRD | |
Mobile DTRD oIIice | |
11. Do you keep records on your business activities? Yes | | No | |
12. Are you aware oI tax relieI? Yes | | No | |
13. Have you ever applied Ior tax relieI? Yes | | No | |
14. II yes, which oI the Iollowing?
Marriage | |
Old age | |
Child Education | |
SSF | |
LiIe Assurance | |
15. Which oI the Iollowing motivate you to pay tax?
a. Provision oI school
b. Provision oI hospital
c. Repairs and maintenance oI market places
d. Provision oI sanitation Iacilities in the city
16. Which oI the Iollowing reasons makes you not to pay tax?
a. Access to tax oIIice
b. Embezzlement
c. DiIIicult to understand the tax system
d. Tax collectors do not educate us well