Freetown, September 7, 2023 – In response to a recent SMS alert from major Mobile Company Operators in Sierra Leone, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has issued a statement clarifying the taxation policies related to mobile money transactions in the country.
Contrary to the information circulated by mobile companies, the NRA has emphasized that the Finance Act of 2023 imposes Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the service charge incurred by the service provider, not on the actual money being sent.
According to NRA, this clarification is in line with the provisions outlined in the second schedule of the Finance Act 2023.
The NRA has further clarified that GST on mobile operations is not a new tax, as it was previously in effect before its repeal and reinstatement in 2023.
The authority acknowledges the global economic challenges and emphasizes its commitment to working in the best interest of all Sierra Leoneans while enforcing tax regulations, which is a fundamental part of its responsibilities.
The NRA has called upon Mobile Company Operators to accurately communicate their tax obligations to the people of Sierra Leone.
This statement has been issued by the Commissioner General on behalf of the Public Affairs and Tax Education Unit of the National Revenue Authority.