GRA issues implementation guidelines after E-levy abolition

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued formal guidelines to all charging entities following the assent of President John Mahama to the bill abolishing the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), among others, on April 2, 2025.

According to the GRA, effective immediately, the 1% levy on electronic transactions is no longer applicable.

In a notice to financial institutions and service providers, the GRA instructed entities to implement the “no charge” configuration on their platforms and ensure compliance.

The notice emphasized that the GRA Electronic Transfer Levy Management and Assurance System (ELMAS) will automatically return a “no charge” on all transactions posted to it by entities from midnight.

Charging entities are required to cease applying the 1% E-Levy with immediate effect and must process refunds for any E-Levy amounts deducted from customers after April 2, 2025.

They have also been instructed to file and settle any outstanding E-Levy payments for transactions that took place before the effective date.

Additionally, in accordance with Section 33A of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915) as amended, entities must continue to post all electronic transfer transactions to ELMAS until further directives are provided.

They are also required to maintain electronic transfer records for at least six years as stipulated in Section 27(3) of the Act.

The GRA has cautioned that failure to comply with these directives will constitute an offence, and sanctions will be imposed as prescribed by law.

Regular compliance checks will be conducted to ensure adherence.

Charging entities seeking clarification or assistance regarding these directives have been advised to contact the E-Levy Technical Support Team.