Ghana: GRA Warns of Sanctions for Late Tax Filings as April Deadline Nears

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a final reminder to individuals and businesses to file their income tax returns by the end of April, warning that non-compliance will attract penalties.

Speaking at a tax awareness campaign in Accra, Acting Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, emphasised that the deadline applies to taxpayers whose financial year ends on December 31, 2026.

Acting Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, speaking at a tax awareness campaign in Accra

He stressed that timely filing remains essential to government revenue mobilisation and the delivery of critical infrastructure and public services.

“April is dedicated to raising awareness because the last day of the month marks the statutory deadline for filing income tax returns,” he said, urging taxpayers to meet their obligations promptly.

Dr. Yamborigya noted that failure to comply could have broader implications for national development, as tax revenues play a key role in funding essential services.

To support compliance, the GRA has established taxpayer service centres across the country to assist individuals and businesses with the filing process. He encouraged taxpayers to utilise these resources to avoid last-minute challenges.

The authority is also rolling out a sustained tax education initiative over the next three years, aimed at improving public understanding of tax responsibilities and boosting compliance levels nationwide.

Reinforcing the message, Francis Timore Boi of the Chartered Institute of Taxation highlighted the direct link between tax compliance and improved public services. He noted that despite widespread economic activity, tax compliance in Ghana remains relatively low.

According to him, both direct and indirect taxes are critical to funding sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and public administration. He added that ongoing collaboration between the institute and the GRA is focused on strengthening public awareness and encouraging voluntary compliance.

Boi urged citizens to view tax payment as a civic responsibility, noting that government capacity to deliver essential services—including the recruitment of healthcare workers—depends significantly on tax revenue.