Harsha urges government to crack down on tax evaders not taxpayers

Sri Lanka
By Editor_1
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva, Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (r), reveals significant shortfalls in expected revenue igniting a debate on the fairness of the current tax collection system - File

COLOMBO – Opposition MP Harsha de Silva, Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), shedding light on the government’s tax collection efforts, revealed significant shortfalls in expected revenue on Thursday (2) igniting a debate on the fairness of the current tax collection system and whether the government should prioritize collecting taxes from tax evaders rather than increasing the burden on law-abiding citizens.

Noting that the government had expected to collect 718 billion rupees from corporate and personal income taxes for the 2023, he said as of October 16, 2023, the actual collection had reached only 495 billion rupees, while in a surprising contrast, PAYE taxes, which were projected to yield 100 billion rupees, had already exceeded expectations, bringing in 119 billion rupees. Therefore, he proposed the current PAYE tax structure be amended, as the government would go on to collect 125 billion rupees at the current compliance level and 175 billion rupees at a 100% compliance rate.

He also pointed out that withholding tax collections had exceeded expectations, with the government anticipating 90 billion rupees but collecting almost 122 billion rupees, showcasing that forcibly collected taxes are being collected, while voluntary compliance remains substantially low.

The MP also highlighted significant shortfalls in other tax categories. The Betting and Gaming levy, expected to generate 10 billion rupees had only managed 5.6 billion rupees. Similarly, Value Added Taxes (VAT) projected to contribute 553 billion rupees, had managed to collect only 350 billion rupees, raising concerns about the upcoming VAT changes.

He said the discrepancy in tax collection calls into question the government’s approach to fiscal-based revenue consolidation and prompts concerns about the fairness of increasing taxes on honest taxpayers while allowing a significant portion of potential revenue to go uncollected from tax evaders. “Moreover, the inconsistency in tax policies, with the same individuals who reduced taxes to 8% in 2019 now responsible for an 18% increase, further deepens public scepticism about the government’s policy direction,” he pointed out.

De Silva also cited an example from the Excise Department, where the government had aimed to collect 217 billion rupees, inclusive of liquor tax, tobacco tax and sticker tax, the actual collection stood at just 124 billion rupees, creating a substantial 92 billion shortfall.

In light of these revelations, he questioned the government’s commitment to taking stern action against tax evaders, pointing out that the government had announced its intent to revoke licences for businesses failing to meet their tax obligations by October 31st at 5:00  p.m. but the  licences have yet to be cancelled.

MP de Silva’s comments serve as a wake-up call for the government to address the issue of tax evasion and to rethink its approach to tax collection. Prioritizing the collection of taxes from tax evaders rather than increasing the burden on law-abiding citizens is crucial for a fair and equitable tax system he said, warning that the public was now looking to the government to take action to rectify the situation and ensure a more balanced and just tax system for all.

-ENCL

Editor_1
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