KUANTAN – The impacts of Covid-19 and massive floods have been identified as the factors affecting the local authorities’ assessment tax collection in Pahang, State Local Government, Housing, Environment and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Seri Johari Harun said.
He said overall, last year’s general assessment tax collection recorded by local authorities in the state, excluding the Rompin District Council, was RM183.64 million, an increase of 3.23% from the previous year, while tax arrears collected in 2022 was RM32.44 million, up 45.08% from RM22.36 million collected in 2021.
“Other factors affecting the tax collection are the economic uncertainties, taxpayers’ financial situation, bankruptcy status of premise owners, and lack of awareness about the importance of paying tax,” he said in reply to Hassanuddin Salim (Kuala Sematan-PN) at the State Assembly sitting here today.
To encourage payment of assessment tax and ensure higher collection this year, Johari said the local authorities had taken various initiatives, including organising tax payment campaigns and introducing mobile tax payment counters and payment through instalments.
“We also give a rebate and discounts for payments of tax arrears and appreciation letters to companies with large amounts of tax paid,” he said. – Bernama, May 10, 2023