Do you know that you have to have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)? Have you gotten one? We asked several persons on the West Demerara these questions.
Andrew Haynes, newspaper vendor
‘No, I have a personal identification card. I don’t know that I have to have a TIN. I don’t have any business to transact with the TIN. However, I think that the (Guyana Revenue Authority) should make it feasible for people from the country to go to Georgetown to get the TIN. For me, it’s hard just to go to Georgetown to get the TIN. If it warrants that I have to get a TIN then I will get one, if not, then I don’t see the use for it.’
Doodnauth Rambharose, hire-car driver
‘No, I don’t know that I have to have one. Most likely, I have to get one. I don’t really know about the TIN but I understand that if you are selling or buying a car you have to get a TIN. I don’t know the importance of the TIN but I’ll have to get one.’
Carol Melville, vendor
‘Yes, I do know that I have to have a TIN. I read it in yesterday’s and today’s newspapers. My husband works at a company and he did not tell me anything about it. I read in the papers that a person went to get his licence and he was turned back because he didn’t have his TIN. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to have a TIN and I don’t plan to apply for one.’
Dawn Thomas, co-owner of Thomas Funeral Service
‘Yes, I do know that I have to have a TIN and I have already signed up, filled up the form and sent it in. I sent it in on December 28 but I haven’t received the number as yet. I don’t know how long it would take for me to receive it. I haven’t given much thought to what the TIN is for.’
Adil Mohamed, chauffeur
‘Yes I do know that I have to have a TIN. I don’t understand anything about the TIN but I have heard of it. I read about it in the newspapers. I haven’t applied for one but I think that you have to have it. I plan to apply for one as soon as possible. ‘
Ewart Hackette, porter supervisor
‘Yes I am aware that there is this implementation of TIN now. I learnt about it by hearing people talking about it. Recently, I was given a form to fill up for the TIN and I filled it up. I have been able to get details from the radio, TV and I’ve read about it in the newspapers. My conclusion about TIN is that more or less the government will know your business. I don’t really see it as too wrong. If TIN is for the purpose of transactions I don’t really find it too bad. I feel it will capture tax-evaders and people who acquire things on the wrong side of things though I am not quite certain what it will be used for.’
Pam Bascom, security officer
‘Yes, I do know about the TIN but I don’t know much about it. No one ever explained about it. My employer, Guysuco called me and told me to get my identification card and NIS card to get one. My workplace filled up the form and sent it in. I have not received the number as yet.’
Mahadeo Persaud, minibus driver
‘Yes, I do know that I have to have a TIN. I registered at the Parika Post Office and filled up the form there. I was told to collect the number at the Guyana Post Office building in Georgetown. I don’t see the sense in that and I haven’t gone to collect it as yet. I don’t really know what the TIN is for. I heard that you have to have the number before you do any business. I heard people talking about the TIN but I don’t understand it up to now.’
Odessa Nurse, self-employed
‘Yes, I do know that I have to have a TIN but I don’t understand what it is about. I heard about it from people and on the TV. I am going to apply for my number and I am going to get it. Every year they bring out something. It stresses you out.’
Lalta Persaud, minibus driver
‘Yes, I do know that I have to have a TIN but I feel that the (Guyana Revenue Authority) too rush with us. I have applied for one since mid-December but haven’t received it as yet. My understanding of it is that without it you cannot get your driver’s licence, revenue licence or do business with the bank. I think that we should get more time because the time is too short. They said that I would get the TIN through the post but I haven’t received it. I heard about the TIN from the newspapers, radio and TV.’
