BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 04, 2011 (Customs PRO) – The Comptroller of Customs advises the business community that, effective immediately, the Value Added Tax Taxpayer Identification Number, which has been issued to businesses upon registration to charge and collect VAT, will now be the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) accepted by the Customs and Excise Departments on the importation of goods, both in St. Kitts and Nevis.
 

This measure intends to facilitate a smooth and effective audit trail as it relates to the collection and refund processes of VAT payments both at the Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue Departments.
 

The Department further encourages all VAT registered businesses and Customs Brokers acting on their behalves to ensure that the appropriate VAT TIN corresponds to the relevant registered business as doing so has direct implications on the post collection process.
 

Businesses and other importers that are not registered to charge and collect VAT will continue to use the TIN previously assigned.