GRA clarifies decision to tax incomes of resident Ghanaians

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clarified its decision to tax the foreign incomes of resident Ghanaians.

The government announced the decision on Monday, April 15, in place of the suspended VAT on electricity, which it said created a revenue gap of about GH¢1.8 billion.

According to GRA, individuals considered residents for tax purposes include citizens; with a permanent home in Ghana residing in the country throughout the year, present in Ghana for at least 183 days in any 12-month period that begins or ends within the year, government employees or officials posted abroad, etc.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has noted concerns raised by the general public on the tax status of individuals who earn incomes abroad and whether they are deemed by the Tax laws as “resident individuals” for tax purposes.

Are citizens with a permanent home in Ghana residing in the country throughout the year

Are present in Ghana for at least 183 days in any 12-month period that begins or ends within the year

Are citizens temporarily absent from Ghana for not more than 365 continuous days who maintain a permanent home in Ghana