Accra, April 24, GNA - Mr Joseph Odartey Blankson, Acting Commissioner of Internal Revenue Service (IRS), on Monday asked Ghanaians to voluntarily file their tax returns to ensure the maintenance of law and order and to promote sustainable development. Mr Odartey Blankson said it was an obligation for all Ghanaians to regularly and promptly pay their taxes to derive maximum returns from the various provisions that the Government provided.

Speaking at the launch of the Internal Revenue Service 2006 Revenue Week, Mr Odartey Blankson urged individuals and corporate citizens to take advantage of the tax amnesty announced in the 2006 Budget Statement and to settle their past tax obligations.

The amnesty was announced in the 2006 Bbudget to allow income earners to straighten their tax affairs without being levied penalty for default. It is valid until June 30, 2006.

The revenue week celebration on the theme: "Creating Tax Awareness - A Necessary Tool for Voluntary Compliance" was to enjoin all taxpayers to file their annual tax returns by the end of April every year. Mr Odartey Blankson said the essence of the revenue week celebration was to inculcate in Ghanaians the habit of filing their annual tax returns

"We believe that creating awareness of the need and benefits of this important civic obligation would go a long way in influencing Ghanaians to contribute their quota to our nation-building efforts in the form of taxes", he said.

The revenue week celebration must, therefore, not only be seen as inculcating in Ghanaians the habit of filing their tax returns but also as part of the Service's tax education programme for the citizenry to voluntarily honour their tax obligation.

"It is important for us as citizens to recognise that it is only when we pay our fair share of taxes that the Government could significantly deliver and improve upon the quality of life of our people", Mr Odartey Blankson noted.

Tax officials would during the week carry on education on tax payment in the churches and mosques.

Mr Odartey Blankson said individuals and corporate bodies were encouraged to file their tax returns at various district and regional offices throughout the country on Wednesday, April 26, 2006.