If you are of the opinion your Value Added Tax is incorrectly assessed, you can file an objection with the VAT Board of Review (VBOR). The objection must be lodged with the Commissioner-General in writing within twenty (20) days of receiving the notice of assessment.

An extension may be granted if you are unable to file your objection within 20 days due to any reasonable cause such as not being in the country at the time or due to illness.

CRITERIA FOR OBJECTING

The person objecting must pay all of the taxes not in dispute, before the matter is considered by the Commissioner-General.

APPEALS

If you are unsatisfied with the Commissioner-General’s decision or have not received a response after forty (40) days, an appeal can be made with the VAT Board of Review. However, the appeal must be made within twenty (20) days of being served with the notice of assessment/decision. The person making the appeal must serve a copy of the “Notice of Appeal” to the Commissioner-General and pay two-thirds of the disputed tax.

EXTENSIONS

The VAT Board of Review may grant an extension on the time to lodge an appeal once the appellant can provide proof the delay was as a consequence of absence from Guyana, illness, or any other reasonable cause.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE VBOR HEARS THE APPEAL?

In making a decision, the VAT Board of Review may make an order to do the following:

    1. Affirm, reduce, increase, or vary the assessment under appeal; or
    2. Remit the assessment for reconsideration by the Commissioner in accordance with the directions of the VAT Board of Review.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE DECISION OF THE VAT BOARD OF REVIEW?

A company dissatisfied with the VAT Board of Review’s decision can appeal to the Judge in Chambers, within twenty days of the service of the notice of the decision.