Since the arrival of the Revenue Commissioner there have been several unexplained irregularities at BRA, coupled with unpaid VAT, Income Tax and Corporation Tax refunds. 

BRA stated last year (2023) that all refunds have been successfully paid out which has proven not to be true, persons are still awaiting refunds as far back as 2015.

BRA is now preying on unsuspecting citizens to file in TAMIS from as far back as 2018 which will cause citizens to pay $500 for each unfiled return plus 5% penalty and 1% interest. In most cases persons who have received these notices: 

•    Are deceased 
•    Did not even have a TAMIS number in 2018
•    Worked below the $25K threshold
•    Received non taxable benefits (invalidity or disability benefits)
•    Had already filed for Reverse Tax Credit ($1,300.00)
•    Pensioners below the threshold

In the case of companies are:

•    Charities
•    Non-financial Co-Ops
•    Trade Unions

Land Tax bills were recently posted by mail in the middle of May and given a deadline date of May 30th 2024 to pay in person. The same situation occurred last year where the bills were mailed with only 2 weeks to obtain the 10% discount over the counter. If you have visited BRA in April it is very apparent that there is lack of staff at the cashiers and payment centres as the lines wrapped around the buildings. it was pure chaos at the payment centres. BRA now grants persons who pay their land tax online a 60 day period to obtain the 10% discount while those who pay at the payment centres 30 days (but only received their bills two (2) weeks before the deadline). There is no law that substantiates the granting of 60 days for the 10% for online payments.

Some persons who own a residential dwelling that occupies two (2) acres of land or more in agricultural areas have seen an astronomical jump in their taxes. There is no law that substantiates this change.

There have also been multiple allegations of corrupt behaviour involving members of senior management with respect to the manipulation of land tax values and rates. This has been circulated heavily within the media, with BRA even addressing the situation, however, BRA has failed to carry out the necessary internal investigations on the matter and has failed to notify us the public on that situation. 

It is time for the Revenue Commissioner of the Barbados Revenue Authority to go with immediate effect!