Friday, 4th October 2024

IMF assisting Dominica in reviewing tax system: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

As the date of filing annual taxes in Dominica approaches, Prime Minister invited two special guests to discuss the process to create awareness among people. 

Monday, 29th March 2021

Prime Minister of Dominica- Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit
As the date of filing annual taxes in Dominica approaches, Prime Minister invited two special guests to discuss the process to create awareness among people.  In the recent Anou Pale episode, Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit was joined by Lydia Talot- Assistant Comptroller, Collection LMTS and Jeoffrey Joseph, Assistant Comptroller, Audit LMTS.  Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the government is currently reviewing the tax system of the country as the aim is to have one flat-rate of tax. He stated that the IMF is helping Dominica in reviewing the tax systems. He also added that the report is delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Also read: Dominica launches “Work in Nature Extended Visa Programme” Lydia Talot-Assistant Comptroller, Collection LMTS stated that the tax filing period in Dominica remains from January 31 to March 31. She stated that as corporates have different fiscal years, they can file their taxes after three months of ending their period.  Discussing the personal income tax in Dominica, Jeoffrey Joseph stated that in some cases, people could discuss the issue with the comptroller, and access could be granted.  Besides this, Jeoffrey Josephs stated that the act of filing taxes is very important; people need to declare what their income has been through the year and added it is significant in the development of the country, i.e. running educational institutes, facilitate in health-care etc.  Also read: 31% of target population vaccinated in Dominica: Dr Ahmed  Besides this, Lydia Talot stated that every Dominican who makes more than 30,000 dollars annually is liable to pay taxes in the country.  “Every time you make more than 30,000 dollars a year, the excess will be taxed.” Added Lydia Talot.  Furthermore, she stated individual self-employed people like contractors, hairdressers, doctors and lawyers are also supposed to file tax. She stated that pensioners, fishermen and others associated with the agriculture sector are not exempt from paying taxes.  Explaining the process of filing tax in Dominica, Jeoffrey Joseph stated that people are encouraged to file paper-based returns due to some technical difficulties. However, the forms can be downloaded directly from the website, and people can fill and submit via email at at ird@dominica.gov.dm    Also read: $25 million credit support to Dominica’s COVID-19 response: World Bank He stated the department has also set-up an online system where people are able to access online at www.ird.gov.dm, and applications can be accessed at the forms tab, where a person can select the form that suits their profession.   The filing process also remains the same for individuals and corporates, while the content is always different as individuals are required to declare all their sources of income.

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