Government announces Discount VAT Rate Days on December 14th and 20th

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 12TH 2012 (CUOPM) – In consultation with the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is pleased to announce the Discounted VAT Day initiative during December 2012.

The Discount VAT Rate Day will take place on:

• Friday 14th December, 2012
• Thursday 20th December 2012.

Approved businesses will be allowed to charge VAT at the rate of 5% on the sale of goods.

The following information provides guidance on the conditions for participation and the reporting requirement for the Discounted VAT Rate Day (DVRD).

Which Businesses are Eligible?

All VAT Registered businesses that have filed ALL of the VAT Returns and have NO outstanding VAT tax, penalties or interest due to the IRD as at December 1st, 2012, may qualify to participate in the DVR Day. If you do not have any outstanding Returns or liability, you may complete the application form and submit it to the VAT Unit on or before Thursday 13th December, 2012 at 2:00p.m to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in St. Kitts or Nevis. Late applications will not be processed.

The Inland Revenue Department will respond in writing one day after receipt of application. If a business filed a VAT objection, eligibility is dependent on satisfying the conditions of that objection which includes submitting 50% of the tax in dispute. A list of all approved businesses, special DVRD application form and additional information would be posted on the IRD’s website at sknvat.com

Goods Eligible

• All tangible items that are presently subject to 17% VAT will qualify for the discount VAT Rate on DVR Day.
• Non- tangible items such as the supply of professional services will continue to be subject to the 17% VAT rate.
• Services such as legal fees, restaurant sup plies, rent, tickets for the game of chance (lottery/ raffles), top-ups and phone cards are NOT eligible for the reduced rate.

Items eligible MUST also be available for sale and immediately available for issuance or delivery to the customer on DVRD. Orders for items not in stock DO NOT qualify.

Filing Requirements

Businesses approved to participate in the DVRD will be required to submit a schedule of the sales for that day, by 3:00 p.m. on December 28th, 2012 to the IRD.

This would include all sales at the discounted VAT Rate (5%), reduced rate (10%), zero rated and exempt goods or services. This special reporting form will be available at the Taxpayer Services Unit of the IRD or on the Department’s website at sknvat.com.