Ghanaian ride-hailing drivers affiliated with popular platforms such as Uber, Yango, and Bolt will now be subject to a revamped tax structure commencing January 1, 2024.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) unveiled the new regulations, mandating that all commercial vehicle proprietors, including ride-hailing drivers, must adhere to quarterly income tax payments as outlined in Section 22 of Regulations 2016, LI 2244.
This initiative by the GRA is geared towards enhancing tax compliance and ensuring equitable revenue collection, with specific provisions granted under Sections 1, 33, and 35 of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915) as amended.
To enforce these regulations, ride-hailing companies are obligated to implement various measures, including updating their platforms to demand proof of paid Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) for all drivers and vehicles.
They must request a digital copy of the VIT sticker from drivers, validate the authenticity of these stickers with the GRA, and submit quarterly lists of all registered vehicles to the tax authority.
Drivers are required to undergo a one-time registration of their ride-hailing vehicles at any GRA office and fulfill the VIT payment using the designated shortcode 222#.
Non-compliance with these measures may result in penalties for both drivers and ride-hailing companies.
The GRA strongly urged all stakeholders to complete vehicle registration and platform updates before the impending January 1 deadline to avoid any adverse consequences.
