The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) informed the general public, particularly lotto patrons and operators, in a public notice issued yesterday, of the start of the implementation of a 10% withholding tax on gross winnings from all lotteries, including lotto, betting, gaming, and other games of chance.
This Withholding Tax was implemented by the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1094) and has been in force since its introduction.
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) and Private Lotto Operators (PLOS) were, however, given a six-month reprieve to prepare for and implement the levy. This extension will conclude at the end of December 2023.
As a result, the GRA has directed the NLAs and PLOs to begin implementing the 10% Withholding Tax on Lotto Gross Winnings on January 1, 2024.
The GRA highlighted that tax law compliance is obligatory, and refusal to do so is a crime under Section 78 of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915). Operators that fail to comply with the tax requirements will face sanctions.
This guideline is strongly recommended for patrons, players, punters, operators, and tax consultants.
Patrons/players/punters can call the GRA toll-free at 0800-100-110 or via WhatsApp at 055 299 0000 / 020 063 1664 for help. The GRA Gaming Support Team may be reached at http://[email protected].