The Guyana Revenue Auth-ority (GRA) is reminding persons that that they are required to register for VAT if they intend to stage public entertainment.

A GRA release stated that public entertainment includes ‘live’ musical entertainment by bands and singers and sporting events such as boxing, cricket, football, horse racing and motor racing.

Moreover, theatrical performances, comedy shows, dance performances and other similar shows to which the public is invited are also included in the category.

The release said further that persons who intend to stage these activities are required to apply for registration from the Value-Added Tax Department at 210 ‘E’ Albert and Charlotte streets, Bourda, before they begin making arrangements in connection with the first public entertainment being promoted by them. However, if these persons are considered not to be eligible for registration the GRA will inform them.

Organizers who are registered promoters of ‘live’ events will be issued with the stipulated correspondence from the VAT Department regarding each promotion, indicating the department’s knowledge of the said event and the arrangements in place to recover VAT due.

Meanwhile, promoters of events that are not ‘live’ in nature such as Bar-B-Ques or fairs with a sound system and a disc jockey playing record are not required to register for VAT. These categories of entertainers, however, are usually required to obtain the necessary correspondence from the GRA to present to the Guyana Police Force.