The Director General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, has warned businesses to comply with tax obligations or face legal consequences, as the institution intensifies sensitisation on its Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).

Speaking at a media workshop in Senegambia, Darboe stressed that under The Gambia’s self-assessment tax system, businesses are responsible for declaring and paying their taxes without being prompted by the tax authority.

“It is not GRA that will come and tell businesses this is the amount you are supposed to pay. It is your obligation to assess your business and pay the right taxes,” he said.

He reminded taxpayers that they are given up to three months after the end of the financial year to settle their dues, describing the timeline as fair and reasonable.

“We expect everybody to pay their taxes on or before March 31,” Darboe said.

He, however, issued a strong warning to defaulters, stating: “failure of which the law will take its course. If there is any amount that you are supposed to pay, you will be charged penalty and interest.”

Darboe emphasised that tax revenue remains critical to national development, funding key sectors such as infrastructure and public services.

He also highlighted that the introduction of ITAS will modernise tax administration, allowing taxpayers to register, file returns, and make payments online without visiting GRA offices.

“ITAS is a comprehensive, secure web-based platform designed to revolutionise how we collect taxes in The Gambia,” he said.

The system, supported by the World Bank, is expected to improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and boost voluntary tax compliance across the country.

By Adama Makasuba