
Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler revealed earlier this month that the Value Added Tax (VAT) has been abused by some promoters and corporate sponsors. He warned that government will not continue to ignore the abuse. It is interesting to note Sinckler admitted that the VAT Office had not been strictly enforcing the rule and as a consequence promoters have taken advantage to avoid paying VAT. According to Sinckler the Value Added Tax does not differentiate between what is a free or complimentary ticket, that is, all tickets attract VAT. On the face of it BU supports minister Sinckler’s effort to enforce the law. It is the reason the Barbados Revenue Authority was established, to plug the leaks. Promoters need to make representation to the Minister if they believe there is a good case to amend the law.
There has been some concern expressed about the upcoming fete to be staged by leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley. BU understands invitations have been issued with the expectation that on acceptance the attendee is expected to shell out $350.00. One is left to question whether Mottley, a law maker, has deliberately designed the request to attend her fete to avoid paying taxes. One wonders also if minister Sinckler has gotten wind of Mottley’s approach to making money from her fete and has responded. There is a saying when elephants fight ants get crushed. Unfortunately all the other promoters who have had to use ‘ticket giveaways’ as an incentive to lure sponsorship will have to pay VAT or find other ways.
Is this a matter of the public’s trust being tested in our lawmakers, again?





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