Taxpayers (Corporate, Self-Employed, Individual) who are eligible for a refund in a particular period or tax type but may be in a payable position in another period or tax type are advised that the Guyana Revenue Authority will offset the amount due before issuing the refund. This is in accordance with the following legislations:

Section 106 (1A) of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01:

“The Commissioner-General shall apply the amount of the entitled refund in reduction of any unpaid amounts, tax, levy, interest, or penalty payable by the person, and shall refund any excess remaining to the taxable person.”

Section 35 4 (a) and (b), and 6(a) and (b) of the Value-Added Tax Act, Chapter 81:05:

(4) “…the Commissioner, to the extent satisfied that the taxpayer is entitled to the amount of the refund claimed-

(a) may apply the amount of the refund claimed under subsection (3) in reduction of any tax, levy, interest, or penalty payable by the person in terms of this Act, other taxes collected by the Commissioner, and any unpaid amounts under the repealed Consumption Tax Act; and

(b) is required to refund any excess remaining to the taxable person.”

(6) “…the Commissioner, to the extent satisfied that the taxpayer is entitled to the amount of the refund claimed-
(a) may apply the amount of the refund claimed under subsection (5) in reduction of any tax, levy, interest, or penalty payable by the person in terms of this Act, other taxes collected by the Commissioner, and any unpaid amounts under the repealed Consumption Tax Act; and
(b) is required to refund any excess remaining to the taxable person.”

In this regard, all persons will now be issued a Tax Refund Set-Off Notice as documentary proof of the set-off. This Notice replaces the receipt previously issued and accurately outlines the details of the set-off transactions processed. Taxpayers can also view their updated account balances via their e-Services account. If they have not done so, they should take steps to do so immediately. If help is needed, please contact eServices Support for Registration Assistance.

Further, all refunds will be issued directly to the taxpayer’s bank accounts via the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) system. Therefore, all persons should ensure that their banking details are submitted to the GRA to ensure prompt refund payment. Banking details can be submitted to vatoperations@gra.gov.gy or contact 227-8222 ext. 3024/3025. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.