The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has publicly released the names of individuals and entities who had not filed and paid their tax returns as of May of the previous year.
MIRA specified that the disclosed names pertain to those who have failed to submit Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Green Tax returns.
The initial list, published by MIRA on August 8, comprised 152 defaulters. However, following the publication, 17 parties subsequently filed their GST and Green Tax returns, reducing the current number of outstanding filers to 135.
MIRA stated that individuals who fail to submit their tax statements and make due payments by the deadline receive a phone call prior to the public disclosure of their information. They are informed of the penalties and actions that will be taken for non-payment. MIRA also noted that notifications were dispatched via SMS.
Shops in market area of Male' City on March 22, 2021. (Sun Photo/Fayaz Moosa)
MIRA further indicated that additional actions will be implemented in accordance with its Enforcement Policy to collect unpaid taxes and other outstanding dues to the state without discrimination.
Therefore, those who have not yet submitted their tax returns are urged to do so, and those who have not paid their taxes should remit them without delay or enter into a tax payment agreement with MIRA.
While MIRA has released details of tax evaders, numerous small and medium enterprises have voiced concerns regarding outstanding payments owed to them by the government for various public works projects.