Heading towards the entrance of the Inland Revenue Department, I saw two security guards having a small chat but since I walked in through the wrong gate they were quick to direct me to the “In” gate. Entering the building you find three receptionists seated to attend to any visitors. Since the first one was [...]

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The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Checking out taxes at the Tax Dept

By Sunimalee Dias (SD)
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Sri Lanka Tourism office also visited by one of our reporters

Heading towards the entrance of the Inland Revenue Department, I saw two security guards having a small chat but since I walked in through the wrong gate they were quick to direct me to the “In” gate.

Entering the building you find three receptionists seated to attend to any visitors. Since the first one was occupied by one visitor I walked to the second lady. By the way all female employees were appropriately dressed in sari.

Lady: Yes, What do you need to get done?

SD: Ermmm…. I want to get information about the taxes involved in setting up a new business.
Lady: Is it a new one?

SD: Yes a new business.

Lady: Ok then, go to the first floor. But first give your ID card to that desk. (She points to the desk opposite the reception manned by two female security personnel who were accepting and giving out ID cards prior to entering the building.)
SD: I have to go to the first floor.

Security Guard1: (she is free but said very politely) Give your ID to this other one. (I believe she attends only to employees and the other one is meant for visitors.)

SD: (approaches the second security guard who is occupied with other visitors) I have to go to the first floor.

Security Guard 2: (very politely taking my ID card) Sign in this book over here. (Returns my ID.)

SD: What about a pass?

Security Guard 2: No, it’s not necessary now you can go to the first floor.

SD: Ok

The place is quite empty with only a few people around. On my way to take the staircase I saw a banner placed there stating that customers now do not have to stand in long queues and waste their time but can pay their taxes at branches of a particular stte bank.
On the first floor I approach the Inquiries desk manned by a lady with two other ladies standing next to her behind her desk. But she quickly attends to me cutting short her chat.

Lady: Yes, what needs to be done?

SD: I want to get information on opening a new tax file.

Lady: Do you have your TIN number?

SD: No.

Lady: Is it a single individual company?

SD: Yes.

Lady: Then, enter your name and details in this book. (I take a look at the book and find out that some of the previous visitors had mentioned TIN)

SD: What is this TIN?

Lady: That is the tax number. (Just then another visitor approaches her and she looks to him) What did you come here for?

Visitor: VAT

Lady: Then enter in this book. (same as the one she gave me. I still haven’t signed and then I look up at her)

SD: Can I just get some information to find out what needs to be done to open a new file?

Lady: Ok then you go in to counter number three or five.

SD: Ok.

I walk into the office … there is no one at counters number three or five. But at the very end there are a couple of people with one officer but there is no number. I turn around and then notice an officer coming in my direction.

SD: Isn’t there anyone at counters three or five?

He just nods and walks upto his desk at number four very casually and points to the chair in front of his desk.

SD: I was asked to meet those in counter three and five.

Now he is seated and again extends his hand pointing to the chair so I quickly sit down.

Officer: What is your file number?

SD: I want to open a new tax file so I need to get some information on that.

Officer: What kind of a business is it?

SD: It’s a small business in cosmetics.

Officer: Have you already registered it?

SD: Not yet.

Officer: (Smiles at me and says) So you have not yet registered either? And you have not even started the business I guess?

SD: No, not yet.

Officer: You see, you have to first register it and then if you manage to make a profit within a certain amount annually then you don’t even have to pay taxes at all.

SD: I don’t have to pay taxes?

Officer: Yes.

SD: How much is the amount within which you have to then make a profit?

Officer: Within Rs.500, 000 annually.

SD: So then how would I know to make sure I have to open a tax file?

Officer: If you are able to exceed that limit then you would have to declare. But until then you don’t have to.

SD: Ok then.

He nods back at me and I walk out and on my way I too nod smilingly at the lady at the Inquiries desk who is busy with other visitors. But she manages to smile back in return by looking at me through a small gap between the two visitors standing in front of her. On my way out of the main entrance I notice the two security guards still chatting away. I do not know if they noticed my leaving the building.But the atmosphere was welcoming and felt very homely to know that you are in good ole Sri Lanka with a touch of politeness and cooling work environment with the department’s offices upgraded and improved. But it is the little flower vases that give away the fact that this is Sri Lanka again – a touch of authenticity!

 

 




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