GRA on E-Levy Deductions by Banks and MoMo
GRA on E-Levy Deductions by Banks and MoMo
In recent days, a wave of concern has swept through the public as individuals experience unexpected deductions related to the newly introduced E-Levy.
While the government has set clear guidelines on what transactions are subject to this levy, a series of grievances have surfaced regarding wrongful charges. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on the intricacies of E-Levy deductions, exploring both the government’s stipulations and the challenges faced by individuals in their financial transactions.
Understanding E-Levy Coverage:
The E-Levy encompasses various electronic transactions, including transfers between mobile money wallets, inter-wallet transactions across different electronic money issuers, and bank transfers linked to mobile money wallets. Notably, bank transfers on instant pay digital platforms and applications are also subject to the levy.
Transfers that fall under the E-Levy
Any transfer to or from a mobile money account or from a bank account of a person will be subject to the Levy. These include:
Mobile money transfers are done between wallets on the same electronic money issuer– For example, sending money from your MTN Momo wallet to another person’s MTN Momo wallet.
Transfers from a wallet on one electronic money issuer to a recipient on another electronic money issuer – For example sending money from your Vodafone Cash wallet to another person’s AirtelTigo wallet.
Transfers from bank accounts to mobile money wallets: For example, Kofi transfers money from his CBG bank account to Ama’s G-Money wallet.
Transfers from mobile money wallets to bank accounts: For example, Esi transfers money from her Zeepay wallet to Yayra’s bank account.
Bank transfers on an instant pay digital platform or application originate from a bank account belonging to an individual: For example, Kwame transferred money from his ADB app to Akua’s National Investment Bank account.
Exclusions from E-Levy:
Despite its broad coverage, certain transactions are exempt from the E-Levy. Notable exclusions include cumulative daily transfers of GHS 100 or less using mobile money, transfers between accounts owned by the same person with Ghana Card linkage, payments for taxes and government fees through designated platforms, electronic clearing of cheques, specified merchant payments, and transfers among principal, agent, and master-agent accounts.
Transfers that do not fall under the E-Levy
The following transfers are excluded from the Levy:
Cumulative transfer of GHS 100 per day made by the same person using mobile money: Everyone will be able to send up to GHS100 a day without paying the Levy.
Transfer between accounts owned by the same person: If you are sending money to your account, you will not be charged the E-Levy provided your bank or mobile money accounts are linked with your Ghana Card. For example, a transfer from Naa’s AirtelTigo wallet to her MTN wallet from her Fidelity bank account to her Prudential bank account, or from her CalBank savings account to her current or investment account will not attract the Levy because Naa has linked all accounts with her Ghana Card.
Transfers for the payment of taxes, fees, and charges: Any payment of taxes, fees, or charges made using the Ghana.gov platform or other designated Government of Ghana payment systems will not attract the Levy.
Electronic Clearing of Cheques: Clearing of cheques by banks and Specialised Deposit-taking Institutions such as savings and loan companies, etc. will not attract the Levy.
Specified Merchant Payments: Transfers made through a payment service (mobile money, bank application, FinTech, etc.) to a commercial establishment that is registered with the Ghana Revenue Authority for Income Tax or Value Added Tax are excluded.
Transfers between principal, agent, and master-agent accounts: To avoid charging the Levy multiple times, transfers among principal, agent, and master-agent are excluded from the Levy.
Challenges and Complaints:
Amidst the implementation of the E-Levy, individuals have voiced concerns about unauthorized deductions.
Some claim to have been charged despite complying with the outlined regulations, particularly regarding transfers between accounts owned by the same person.
A notable contention revolves around instances where individuals, having linked their Ghana cards with their banks, still experience deductions when transferring funds to wallets registered in their name.
Others have shown evidence of transferring just 44 Ghana cedis and they being deducted 0.44 Ghana cedis.
Official Response from GRA:
Responding to the public outcry, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) addressed the issue through its official social media channels.
They clarified that individuals wrongly charged with E-Levy should refrain from contacting the GRA for refunds. Instead, affected parties are advised to directly contact the bank or telecom company through which the transfer was made.
The GRA emphasizes the importance of confirming Ghana Card registration at the respective bank or telecom provider to avoid incorrect E-Levy charges.
GRA DEDUCTIONS
Please note: Transfers between accounts owned by the same person are exempt from E-Levy if both accounts are registered with your Ghana Card. Please confirm your Ghana Card registration at your bank/telco to avoid wrong E-Levy charges”
”Have you been wrongly charged E-Levy??
Do not contact the GRA for a refund. Contact the bank/telco you transferred from to be refunded”
