vat.revenue.gov.bs : How do I Make An Enquiry Bahamas

Organization : Online Tax Administration
Facility : How do I Make An Enquiry
Country : Bahamas
Website : https://vat.revenue.gov.bs/Content/MakeEnquiry

Make An Enquiry :

Online Enquiry is an additional channel for registered and non-registered taxpayers to communicate with the Tax Office using the Online Tax Administration System (OTAS). Persons must have a user account to access the Online Enquiry.

Related : Register A Taxpayer Online Tax Administration Bahamas : www.statusin.org/29105.html

The Tax Office responds to enquiries via the OTAS messaging center (“Tracker”). In the message center, taxpayers are able to track their “conversation”/communication thread between themselves and the Tax Office online. Enquiries can be general or related to open taxpayer cases.

Eligibility :
Enquiries can be made by a registered or non-registered taxpayer; however, in order to access services on OTAS you must have a web user account.

Process :
1. Log in to the OTAS using your username and password.
2. From the Home page click either the “Contact us with an enquiry” link or the “Send Message” button.
3. Alternatively, from the Tracker page, click the “New” icon.

4. The online enquiry service will require you to :
** Select a subject (Registration, Filing, Other, etc.)
** Reference (a list of user’s open case reference numbers)
** Write a message (type the enquiry or message, up to 2,000 characters)

5. The online enquiry service will allow you to attach a file to a message. The file types supported are *.pdf, *.doc, *.docx, *.xls, *.xlsx, *.jpg, *.gif, *.png, *.bmp, *.txt and *.rtf.
6. Click the “Submit” button.

7. The “Tracker” page will appear with a list of the user’s enquiries/messages. Each enquiry will be assigned an Enquiry (ENQ) case reference number.
8. As a logged in user, the responses to the enquiries can be viewed.

Application Form(s) :
There are no forms to be completed for this service.
Supporting Document(s) :
There is no documentation needed to apply for this service.

Turn-around time :
The online enquiry service may take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete, depending on the details of the message.

Deadline :
Once your enquiry has been received, it will be processed by an officer, and you should receive a response within 3 working days.
Related Fee(s) :
There are no fees associated with this service.

VAT – Registering A Taxpayer :
** Businesses operating in The Bahamas that provide taxable supplies of $100,000 or more are required by law to register for VAT.

** However, businesses providing taxable supplies that are below $100,000 are not required to register, but may wish to voluntarily register for VAT. Persons who meet the registration threshold but do not apply for registration can be forcibly registered by the Comptroller.

Eligibility :
An individual or entity/non-individual can be :
Liable for VAT, meaning:
** you are above the VAT threshold and are therefore legally responsible to collect VAT on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas or
** you are below the VAT threshold but want to legally collect VAT on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas

or not Liable for VAT, meaning :
** The entity is below the VAT threshold and has no desire to collect VAT on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas

** An individual or non-individual can identify a Representative to conduct business with the government on their behalf. (Depending on the legislation representatives may be fully or partially liable in their role of acting on behalf of the taxpayer.)

An Individual is considered to be a Sole-Trader/Proprietor or other individual who needs to :
** File and pay taxes,
** Communicate with or send an enquiry to the department, or
** Conduct business with the Government.

A Non-Individual is considered to be a Company, Partnership, Non-Profit/Charitable Organisation, International Organisation, Embassy/Diplomatic Mission, or such that needs to :
** File and pay taxes,
** Communicate with or send an enquiry to the department, or
** Conduct business with the Government.

The following persons are expected to register irrespective of their threshold :
** Government Entities
** Auctioneers

Contact Address :
Department of Inland Revenue
Carmichael Road
(behind Scotia Bank at the Shops at Carmichael Plaza)
Nassau, N.P.
The Bahamas
General Enquiries: (242) 461-8050
VAT Hotline: (242) 225-7280
Fax: (242) 361-4034
Email Address : taxinquiries AT bahamas.gov.bs
** We will endeavour to answer all emails within 5 working days.