Ibrahim Swarray, the Commissioner General for the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has planned to institute stringent measure against individual who are still reluctant in paying their tax to the government.

This follows a publication last month, August 2023 where the deadline for all PAYE and withholding tax returns were set for the 5th of last month.

As the deadline has now elapsed, the Authority has commenced full operation in recovery action of all current and outstanding taxes including interests and penalties from defaulting taxpayers in the country, adding that the enforcement action may start on Monday, 25 September this year.

The press release reads; The National Revenue Authority (NRA) hereby informs the public that it has commenced full recovery action of all current and outstanding taxes including interests and penalties from defaulting taxpayers. These include Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax, Corporation Tax (including outstanding quarterly instalments), Personal Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax (GST), Rental Income Tax, Payroll Tax, Customs Duties, Petroleum and Domestic Excise Tax, Royalties and other revenue streams administered by the authority including non-tax payments.

Enforcement actions will commence from Monday 25 September 2023 onwards which include and not limited to the following:

 Garnishment/third party recovery

 Sealing of business premises

 Prevention from clearing goods through the ports

 Prevention from travelling in and out of Sierra Leone

 Naming and shaming

 Seizure and auctioning of business assets

Litigation or court action etc.

Therefore, all taxpayers are hereby advised to file all outstanding returns and pay outstanding taxes as provided for by Law through the ITAS portal to avoid business obstruction and incurring of financial costs associated with non- compliance.