UDP Pressed for Details on How It Would Tackle Tax Arrears and Evasion

The United Democratic Party, in its press conference today, was asked how it would improve tax collection without moving ahead with the Revenue Authority proposed by the Government.  The opposition was also asked how a UDP administration would collect outstanding tax arrears and deal with individuals and businesses that avoid paying their fair share.  Panton responded by speaking about the need for a fair and efficient tax system. However, her answer did not clearly outline what specific measures the UDP would introduce to recover unpaid taxes or tackle tax evasion.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “SARA will not collect any revenue on behalf of the Customs Department and it will not collect any revenue for the Lands Department and when the question was put to the Financial Secretary in the House committee why is it that government didn’t go after the most lucrative department. Why not? Because the idea of the instituting SARA, the Revenue Authority, is to ensure we can maximize revenue collections. And he could not provide a response that made any logical sense. So there are lots of issues with this bill. Who the bill represents in terms of which agencies the bill will be collecting resources for and also who is controlling.”

The question comes as the Government argues that the Revenue Authority Bill will create a more efficient system for collecting taxes, managing arrears and enforcing compliance. The UDP and the Public Service Union have objected to the proposed transition, citing concerns about its cost, management structure and the effect it may have on employees of the Belize Tax Service Department.