{"id":196332,"date":"2024-03-01T20:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-03-02T00:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=196332"},"modified":"2024-03-01T20:00:19","modified_gmt":"2024-03-02T00:00:19","slug":"senator-nicholas-urges-government-to-rethink-abs-tax-amendments-calls-for-incentives-over-penalties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/senator-nicholas-urges-government-to-rethink-abs-tax-amendments-calls-for-incentives-over-penalties\/","title":{"rendered":"Senator Nicholas Urges Government to Rethink ABS Tax Amendments, Calls for Incentives Over Penalties"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Senator Nicholas Urges Government to Rethink ABS Tax Amendments, Calls for Incentives Over Penalties<\/p>

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Senator Shawn Nicholas is urging the government to reconsider its approach to amending the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) Act of 2006.<\/p>\n

Senator Nicholas began her presentation in the Senate today by emphasizing the core function of Parliament to refine legislation for the betterment of society.<\/p>

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“We look at the legislation and we try to see how we can refine it, how we can make it better, where it’s not working, how we can make it work better,” Senator Nicholas stated.<\/p>

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While acknowledging the importance of the ABST, Senator Nicholas expressed concern over the current state of compliance, suggesting that non-compliance, rather than inherent flaws in the tax itself, might be the root issue.<\/p>\n

“The issue with the ABST as it is right now is an issue of compliance. Persons are not being compliant in paying the ABST,” Senator Nicholas noted.<\/p>

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She further highlighted the need to widen the tax net to capture businesses that are conducting operations in Antigua and Barbuda but are not registered to pay the ABST.<\/p>\n

“There are a number of businesses out there that are conducting business in Antigua and Barbuda who are not registered, and it is unfair for those who pay continuously every year, every month,” she remarked.<\/p>

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Senator Nicholas called for a shift in approach, advocating for incentives to encourage compliance rather than penalties for non-compliance.<\/p>

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She emphasized the need for a cultural shift towards tax compliance, stating, “We need to cultivate that culture of tax paying because all of us have a responsibility to make sure that taxes are paid.”<\/p>\n

Additionally, Senator Nicholas raised concerns about the impact of shortened payment deadlines on businesses, particularly small enterprises and wholesalers who often rely on credit to operate.<\/p>\n

Senator Nicholas urged the government to engage in dialogue with the business sector to explore ways to reduce tariffs at the port, making it easier for businesses to meet their tax obligations.<\/p>\n