The Inland Revenue Division throughout this week has been seeking to educate nationals on the importance of and the processes involved in taxation.
Tax Awareness Week 2011 is being celebrated under the theme “Tax Compliance through Registration, Record Keeping and Returns.”
The week of activities officially began with a thanksgiving service and official opening ceremony at the Pastoral Centre in More Bruce.
The activity was attended by President of Dominica His Excellency Dr. Nicholas Liverpool and Mrs Liverpool, Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Police Chief Cyril Carrette, and employees of the Inland Revenue Division.
Bishop Bill Michael Daniel of the People’s Pentecostal Church during his sermon exhorted the employees of the division about the importance of team work.
Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Division, Irving Williams, also addressed Monday morning’s event. He took time to highlight the importance of taxation.
“We must be mindful of the fact that if taxes are not paid, it will be very difficult for Government to provide services and infrastructural development for the citizens of a country. As we observe Tax Awareness Week, we would like to thank all tax payers who voluntarily comply and pay their correct taxes. Taxation and tax compliance is of crucial importance in citizens’ life,” he said.
Several employees of the division were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the growth of the institution. Among them were Makisha Breezy, Irvin Magloire and Paul Charles.
Hon. Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit, delivered the featured address. He reiterated the importance of nationals paying taxes on time.
“In the case of the State, it provides services to the citizens, example: education, health, roads, water and the citizens contribute to the payment of these services through the payment of taxes. The critical aspect of these services provided by the State is that they maintain peace and security in the State, allow citizens to develop to their full potential and overall contribute to improving the quality of life of all. That perspective means that when citizens chose not to pay taxes, they are making a decision for the State not to provide services,” he stated.
The Prime Minister warned that actions would be taken to ensure that taxes owed to the state are paid. “The State and the authorities will use all the measures prescribed in law to collect the arrears on the taxes due to the State because yours truly would like to make less trips out of Dominica to negotiate for capital/money to build this country and those who are not assisting in that effort, the law is there to the fullest extent without fear of favour or affection or ill will,” he stressed.
Tax Awareness Week will include various discussions on radio and television to educate nationals on the work of the Inland Revenue Division.
Should we pay taxes to support an illegal regime?