THE Ministry of Finance announced today it has launched a hotline with experts standing by to answer questions about the proposed Value Added Tax system set to go into effect July 1.
The hotline number is 225-7280. It is staffed between 9am and 5pm daily, Monday-Friday. The VIBE line is toll-free throughout The Bahamas.
“Since we launched the number two days ago without a lot of fanfare in the testing stage, we have had very interesting calls reflecting that people understand change is needed, but they just want more information,” said Financial Secretary John Rolle.
“What we have heard so far is evidence that the greatest need for information is on the part of the consumer as businesses have made it a point of learning as much as they can to date. When you hear questions like ‘Should I buy a new car now or wait? Which will be least expensive in taxes?’ or ‘Do I have to pay VAT on my condo association fees?’ or ‘How will it affect the price of baby formula?’ it’s clear that the upcoming schedule for VAT items and exemptions will be very helpful.” Government intends to publish the first schedule for consideration on January 17.
The hotline is also accepting comments for consideration.
A series of town meetings is planned with the first set tentatively for Exuma next week.
Comments
proudloudandfnm 10 years, 3 months ago
Experts?
B_I_D___ 10 years, 3 months ago
Funny...if you ask people on Mr. Rolle's team point blank a specific question regarding VAT...they don't even know the answer...they usually come back with something to the effect that we haven't discussed that yet, or we haven't made a decision on that yet...or we will have to get back to you. Experts my backside!!
B_I_D___ 10 years, 3 months ago
no one was answering 919 this morning...could not get through to it via cell phone. Glad it wasn't a life threatening situation.
Thinker 10 years, 3 months ago
VAT is not needed, and government has made you believe there are no alternatives that are acceptable to Big Gov. There are voluntary alternatives of course, but they would rather steal from everyone besides the top 1%, keep everyone slaves to the system.
B_I_D___ 10 years, 3 months ago
Also gives them extraordinary powers to raid businesses and get into their books and financials. All that info will likely be reported back to other government agencies and potentially even other countries who are trying to link funds back to their homeland tax system.
ohdrap4 10 years, 3 months ago
Let's march.
Free Misick!! Free Porter!!
nationbuilder 10 years, 3 months ago
gatta agree with the comments thus far
hj 10 years, 3 months ago
When they asked PC about VAT he referred them to IMF because he did not know the answer. The so called "experts" can't give a straight answer. They keep flying in foreign consultants because they don't know how the system works. They expect to get 500 to 800 million from that in revenue. Sure they will. Now a hotline. This is going to be such a mess.
sheeprunner12 10 years, 3 months ago
DITTO TO ALL THE ABOVE
VAT MUST BE STOPPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THERE MUST BE A SOCIAL UPRISING LED BY THE MERCHANT CLASS
ohdrap4 10 years, 3 months ago
And who gon march with the merchant class?
sheeprunner12 10 years, 3 months ago
TO THE ABOVE COMMENT
the post 1967 bourgoisie........................ lol The middle class created by the PLP who howl about the present yellow crew
Do not depend on the Bay Street Boys. They can survive VAT
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