The Finance Act, 2023 introduced a provision that will see the taxpayer enjoy 100% waiver of penalties, interests and fines on principal taxes fully paid before 31st December 2022.
Where the taxpayer has settled the full principal tax before the 31st December 2022, the taxpayer will not be required to apply for the amnesty as it will apply automatically.
However, where principal tax has not been settled before 31st December 2022, the taxpayer will still benefit from this waiver by applying for amnesty on interests, penalties and fines, and in addition will be required to provide a payment plan for the outstanding tax amount. Note that this amnesty will only be granted if the outstanding principal tax is paid not later that 30th June 2024 and no additional tax debt is incurred.
Penalty related to tax avoidance will however not be included, meaning that for tax payers who have accumulated penalties that are related to tax avoidance may not apply for amnesty.
Even if amnesty had been granted, interest will start to accrue again where the principal tax has not been settled by 30th June 2024.
This amnesty will apply starting 1st September 2023 through to 30th June 2024.