- All services available including business licence applications, filing and paying business-related taxes

- Physical offices closed to public, but drop-off and pick up facility in place for VAT stamping of documents and first home exemptions

- Applications available online for Tax Credit and Tax Deferral program

- Business VAT Filings Due on April 21 using online tax administration using

DIR advises the business community that VAT filings and payments remain due on April 21, 2020. Although some businesses do not have access to all their latest records at home, due to the COVID-19 related closures, they are able to file VAT returns based on an estimate of turnover for the period and submit amendments later. While there will be no penalty for businesses who submit amendments for filings during the Emergency Order, the penalties associated with late filings are still in place.

During the shutdown, DIR encourages customers to use their online tax platform (OTAS) at www.vat.revenue.gov.bs which affords access to a wide range of filing, payment and other services from anywhere at any time. This includes filing, paying business-related taxes, filing returns and paying Value Added tax and making requests for Tax Compliance Certificate.

The in house processing of first-time home exemption application and stamping of VAT documents resumed Thursday, 16th April, 2020 at its Carmichael Road office. In Grand Bahama, there is also a drop-off and pick up service during regular business hours, at the Harold Degregory Building for individuals submitting documents for VAT stamping and to apply for first home exemptions. Businesses can use the DIR hotline (242-461-8050) and the taxinquires@bahamas.gov.bs email.

The Department is also pleased to announce that applications for the Tax Credit and Tax Deferral program are now available online at http://atlas.revenue.gov.bs). The programme provides large employers with a minimum annual turnover of $3 million to access payroll support to limit the need for further layoffs. These companies must have at least 25 employees. With this tax relief, businesses will be able to withhold VAT due or outstanding business license between April and June to assist in meeting payroll expenses.

“We want to assist as many businesses as possible and encourage businesses to use our online portal to access our services at www.vat.revenue.gov.bs . Our records show that almost 75% of registered businesses that have made an application for renewal of their business licence have taken advantage of the, 30 days after the conclusion of Emergency Order, the extension of the payment due date or waiver of business license fees (where applicable) offered by the Government” said Gaynell Rolle, Acting Comptroller of Inland Revenue.