THE Guadalcanal Provincial Government has finally settled its long-standing Pay As Earn (PAYE) tax arrears with the Inland Revenue Division (IRD).
This information was disclosed to GP Media by the Guadalcanal Provincial Secretary Mr. Maesac Suia, via an email yesterday afternoon.
This marks an important step forward as the Guadalcanal Provincial Government has never fully paid off its PAYE taxes to the Inland Revenue Division since the accumulation of its debts nearly 20 years ago.
The progress is largely credited to the outgoing Sade Government, which prioritized financial management, particularly debt servicing, during its tenure amid the global COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2021.
Under its ‘Good Governance’ policy, the current Atu Government is now continuing to address the remaining debts of the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and is expected to clear all outstanding liabilities by 2025. GP Media understands that only less than $5M debts remains from the $27M debts incurred by successive governments since early 2000s.
In his email, the Provincial Secretary Maesac Suia expressed his appreciation for the consistent commitment shown by both the outgoing and current governments in managing debt.
He also thanked the commitments made by the Guadalcanal Provincial Government staff since 2020.
PS Suia also emphasized that the Guadalcanal Provincial Government is dedicated to staying current with its PAYE tax obligations and other debts.
PAYE is a tax paid by employers on behalf of their employees to the Inland Revenue Division due before or on the 15th of the month following the salary or wage payment.
