Understanding and Complying with Withholding Taxes: A Basic Guide to Business Success
What is Withholding Tax (WHT)? Withholding Tax (WHT) is a tax deducted at source by a withholding agent before making final payments to a seller, contractor, or consultant. The withholding agent (resident individual or entity), is responsible for withholding the tax when making payments to resident or non-resident persons. The amount withheld is subsequently remitted to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The power to deduct or withhold is provided by the Income Tax Act, 2015 (ACT 896). The Act provides the following rates to be applied to a resident person: 1. The supply of goods - 3% 2. The supply of works - 5% 3. The supply of services – 7.5%. The rate for a non–resident person is 20% on Goods, Services, and Works. Definition of Key Terms 1. Goods “Goods” refer to objects of every kind, including raw materials, products, and equipment, as well as solid, liquid, or gaseous items, and electricity. It also inclu...