B.V.I. Thursday, March 5 – The Payroll Tax Review Committee is seeking public feedback about the current payroll tax regime via a series of community meetings and a payroll tax questionnaire, which will be disseminated throughout the Territory.

According to the committee the purpose of the meetings and the survey is to determine public opinion on the current payroll tax regime.  Information and comments received from the public will form part of the overall report which will be submitted to the Government later this year. 

Premier and Minister for Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE announced in the 2009 Budget Address that the committee is working diligently to review the Payroll Taxes Act which has caused much debate since its implementation. “The Government as well as all stakeholders are eagerly awaiting this report and the recommendations that lay therein,” Honourable O’Neal said.

The Premier and Minister of Finance urged the public to participate in the process and give the committee their full cooperation.  “Members of the Committee will be soliciting the views of the public and it is only through your participation that we can have a tax structure that is fair, while at the same time providing the necessary resources to finance the numerous services offered by Government,” he told the House of Assembly.

Members of the public can obtain the survey at the following locations:  Ministry of Finance and the Department of Inland Revenue in the Central Administration Building, at the District Offices on Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke and online at www.finance.gov.vg.  The completed questionnaires can be returned at the same locations.  The deadline for submission is April 30.

On March 25 and 26 the committee will kick-off the series of public meetings at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall and at the East End/Long Look Community Centre respectively.  On April 1, a similar meeting will be held on Virgin Gorda at the Ashford Waters Community Centre and on April 2 at the Abraham Leonard Community Centre in Carrot Bay. All meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.  The meetings for the sister islands of Anegada and Jost Van Dyke will be held in April but the dates and times are to be confirmed.

The Department of Information and Public Relations will host a Public Eye Programme on Tuesday, March 10 which will focus on the role of the Payroll Tax Review Committee and the public in this process, and the provisions of the current Payroll Taxes Act.  Special guests will include Chairman of the Committee Mr. Ian Smith, Committee Member Mr. John Greenwood and resource person and Policy Analyst Mr. Arnold Lettsome.  The programme is aired live on ZBVI Radio 780 AM and the public can call in with any questions or comments.

The Payroll Tax Review Committee was appointed by Government on June 23, 2008.  The responsibilities of the committee are to review the Payroll Tax Act, 2004; identify inconsistencies within the Payroll Taxes Act; and make recommendations for amendments, or if deemed to be so repeal the Payroll Taxes Act.