Companies get 'final' tax amnesty extension

WITH the Companies Registry Online System (CROS) of the Ministry of Legal Affairs experiencing technical challenges, the Attorney General will advise Cabinet that the current amnesty – waiving late-filing penalties for corporate filings – should be extended to January 13 next year.

A release from the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs (AGLA) on December 13 said there is an ongoing amnesty with a deadline of December 13.

The release said some of the technical issues include its notification system and other filing and access systems, which have resulted in a disruption to some operations.

"These issues are being addressed with urgency and with an encouraging level of success."

The release cites this as the main reason for the extension and said the Office of the Registrar General will not impose any penalties until after the January 13 date.

It will continue to allow the filing of all outstanding documents to ensure companies can bring their files up to date.

"All companies are encouraged to take advantage of the extended amnesty period.

"Please be advised that this will be the final extension granted."

The release said late applications can affect its international taxation obligations, particularly concerning transparency and the exchange of information on request.

"This, in turn, may affect our international rating. Therefore, we strongly urge all currently non-compliant companies to seize this final opportunity to take advantage of the amnesty before the expiry of this deadline."

The release ended with the AGLA saying it regrets the disruption and will continue to monitor and take the required steps to ensure full restoration of service availability.