Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is set to initiate a tax system they have named ‘Celebrities Tax’. This means a percentage on the earnings of Bloggers, Influencers and Master of ceremonies (MCs) will be deducted by the Ghana Revenue Authority to help in the development of the country.
The GRA’s decision to tax bloggers, influencers and MCs has sparked significant debate and discussion within the digital content creation and event hosting communities. While this decision may seem contentious at first glance, we believe that it represents a responsible and equitable step toward ensuring fiscal sustainability in our country’s economy.
First and foremost, it is essential to understand that taxation is a fundamental aspect of any well-functioning economy. Taxes are the lifeblood of a nation, providing the government with the necessary resources to fund public services, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and various other critical functions.
The Chronicle vehemently agrees with the decision of the GRA because these bloggers, influencers and MCs make more than a regular worker warns in a month. By extending tax obligations to the digital content creators and event hosts, the GRA is working to create a more equitable tax system, where all individuals and entities contribute their fair share towards national development, as well as widen the tax net.
The digital era has witnessed the rise of bloggers and influencers who earn substantial incomes through their online activities. As such, it is only fair that they also participate in the tax system, like any other income-generating profession. By taxing this income, the GRA is ensuring that these individuals contribute to the country’s welfare in proportion to their earnings.
Taxing bloggers, influencers and MCs is not a novel concept. Many countries around the world have already implemented such taxation measures. Bloggers and content creators in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc are subject to income tax on their earnings.
In doing so, these developed economies have managed to generate additional revenue streams while promoting fairness in their tax systems. Ghanaians always praise these developed countries about how they have built massive infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and hospitals among others. They are able to achieve these through the collection of taxes from their people.
When the government officially collects taxes from workers, they gain access to various social security benefits, including healthcare and pensions benefits. This not only ensures their financial security but also contributes to reducing the burden on the state in providing welfare services.
Furthermore, the revenue generated through taxation from the bloggers and influencers can be reinvested into the creative industry. This means that the government can support and promote the growth of bloggers, influencers, MCs and other content creators through grants and training programs.
The Chronicle believes that the GRA’s decision to tax bloggers, influencers and MCs is a pragmatic step toward a more equitable and responsible tax system. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of their income source, contribute to the nation’s development.
The Chronicle urges the GRA and government to use the revenue generated from these people for their intended purposes.
