WHO NEEDS TO FILE A TAX RETURN?
Any person or business entity who possesses a Business and Occupation Licence or is a registered company with the Registrar of Companies in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, whether exempt or not, is required by law to file a tax return or any person or entity operating a business
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A TAXPAYER FAILS TO FILE?
If you fail to file when required, the Comptroller shall make an estimated assessment to determine the amount of tax payable.
In the case where the Comptroller has made an assessment to determine the amount of tax payable, he/his designate may enter your place of business and demand the amount of tax outstanding. Failure to comply with the request for payment may result in court action.
DO I STILL NEED TO FILE A TAX RETURN IF I DID NOT CONDUCT ANY BUSINESS FOR A PARTICULAR TAX PERIOD?
Yes, every taxpayer shall file a tax return for each tax period with the Comptroller after the end of the tax period, whether or not tax is payable.
CAN I FILE AN AMENDED TAX RETURN IF THERE WAS AN ERROR?
Yes, a taxpayer may file an amended tax return no later than six years after the due date on which the original tax return was required to be file. The Comptroller may re-assess the taxpayer’s liability if he is satisfied that the previous assessment was incorrect.
WHO IS A NON-FILER AND WHO IS A STOP-FILER?
A non-filer is a taxpayer who fails to voluntarily file a tax return and pay his/her taxes as required by law.
A Stop Filers are taxpayers/assesses who have discontinued filing returns. These were previously voluntary filers but for whatever reason have stopped submitting their returns as required by law.
WHAT IS A SELF-ASSESSMENT?
A self-assessment occurs when the taxpayer calculates his/her tax liability, files the tax return and pays the applicable taxes. Be aware that these tax liabilities may be reassessed by the Comptroller if there is sufficient reason to do so.
WHAT IS A BEST-OF-JUDGMENT ASSESSMENT?
A Best Judgment Assessment is a charge prepared by the Inland Revenue Department when a taxpayer fails to file their tax return. The assessment is made based on knowledge of the taxpayer’s business, historic tax assessments, businesses which conduct similar activity in the same industry.
CAN I OBJECT TO A BEST JUDGMENT ASSESSMENT?
After receiving a Best Judgment Assessment Notice or Any Notice of Assessment from the Inland Revenue Department, the taxpayer has 30 days in which to object. This objection must be in writing to the Comptroller of Inland Revenue. It is noteworthy that when filing an objection, you should provide documentation and the completed Tax Return Form for the period you are objecting, in order to validate your claim..
WHAT IS A REASSESSMENT?
A reassessment occurs when the taxpayer has filed his return and the Inland Revenue Department’s examination and computation of the tax liability, reveals an underassessment, overassessment or filing error which will lead to a reassessment of the tax liability. This may also be initiated as a result of an audit, an appeal or court action where the tax liability requires amendment based on a ruling.