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3)
Withholding Tax Regime on Certain Local Services. Minister, before I
comment on this specific tax can you please provide this Parliament with
the EXACT amount of withholding tax on interest due from the
Government. We need this for all withholding tax on interest including
amounts to Government entities (NIF, NHT, etc.) and the private sector. I
hear of different numbers ranging from $17B to $42B owed? Minister, I am
very concerned about the lack transparency in this matter!
Minister, given the Government’s approach to withholding tax payments I
am concerned about increasing same. The principle of the tax seems
reasonable but is it reasonable for the Government to continue the practice
of not settling its liabilities on a timely basis?