Income Tax Consultation will continue in 2017
The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, National Revenue Governance Committee wish to inform the general population of Vanuatu that as part of the ongoing consultations on the Government’s plan to introduce income Tax, major consultations will continue throughout the course of this financial year 2017.
Consultations on proposed Income Tax have commenced since October 2016 and to date, most of the business sectors, Government Civil Servants, NGOs, the General Public, Villages and Communities in Port Vila and Luganville, have had the opportunity to sit and listen to various presentations delivered by the revenue review committee. Additionally consultations have already reached SANMA province and the Island of Tanna in TAFEA Province.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Management who is the Chairman to the national Revenue Governance committee, wishes to thank everyone who had participated to provide comments and criticisms to all consultations being done.
He also wanted to thank the business communities in Port Vila and Luganville for their contributions in particular the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and further commented that such reactions from the VCCI is well accepted as it provides for a more wider understanding of what Income Tax will bring. He however concluded that this reform is the national government policy and it will be the national government to make the final decision as to whether we proceed to implement an income Tax in Vanuatu or not.
The minister acknowledges the written responses receive and general comment from everyone who have made a submission to the Revenue review committee. He encourages every citizens not to look on the negative side of things but to see the future benefits of such policy and what it can do for our nation.
Throughout the first three months of this year 2017, the Provinces of TORBA, PENAMA and MALAMPA will have the opportunity to also listen and contribute as the Income Tax Consultation team gets to meet with them. It is most likely that key stakeholders will be invited to the provincial government headquarters so they can listen and bring back the messages to their own communities.
Remaining Provinces are urged to listen up for further informations as to when the Consultation team will visit their provinces and final logistics on this will later be communicated to provincial government leaders in upcoming weeks.