Official Notice: Circular Regarding the Annual TDS Return for the Fiscal Year Ended 30 June 2016
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an official circular to inform all Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) payers about the procedures, deadlines, and compliance requirements for submitting the Annual TDS Return for the income year ending on 30 June 2016. This notice aims to clarify the obligations of TDS payers and provide guidance on the electronic submission process mandated by the authority.
Scope and Applicability of the Circular
This circular is directed at all entities and individuals who have deducted TDS during the fiscal year ending on 30 June 2016, regardless of whether TDS was actually deducted or not. It covers:
- Tax payers who deducted TDS during the period
- Tax payers who did not deduct TDS due to the amount being less than the statutory threshold of 500 rupees
All these payers are legally required to submit an Annual TDS Return by the specified deadline, in accordance with the provisions outlined by the MRA.
Deadline and Submission Method
The due date for the submission of the Annual TDS Return for the income year ending 30 June 2016 is set for 16 August 2016. The MRA emphasizes that the return must be filed electronically via the dedicated e-filing system accessible through the official website.
Tax payers using the Mauritius Network Services Ltd (MNS) system for their monthly TDS returns are instructed to continue using that system for the annual return. Others should access the MRA's online portal at http://www.mra.mu to submit their returns.
To facilitate access, the MRA has already issued User IDs, which correspond to the Tax Account Number (TAN). If a taxpayer has misplaced their password, they can request a new one by sending an email to efiling@mra.mu before 31 July 2016. The new password will be dispatched by post to the taxpayer's registered address.
Legal Obligations and Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to submit the Annual TDS Return by the deadline can incur penalties. The statutory penalty is set at 5,000 rupees per month or part thereof, up to a maximum of 20,000 rupees. This underlines the importance of timely compliance to avoid financial penalties and potential legal consequences.
Required Information and Documentation
In preparing the return, payers must ensure they have accurate details of the payees, including:
- Business Registration Number (BRN) of the payee, or
- Tax Account Number (TAN) of the payee, if the BRN is unavailable
If the payee's BRN is not known, the payer should request this information directly from the payee. In cases where the payee does not have a BRN or TAN, the payer must obtain the TAN from the MRA by providing:
- Full name and address (including maiden name for married women)
- National ID number or passport number for non-citizens
- Confirmation that TDS has been deducted
- Full name of the payer
Requests for TAN can be made via email to registration@mra.mu before 31 July 2016.
Monthly TDS Returns and Payment Procedures
Starting from July 2016, TDS payers are required to submit monthly returns electronically for each month in which TDS has been deducted. The monthly return must include details of all payees, with their respective BRNs or TANs, and must be accompanied by the remittance of the deducted TDS amount.
The deadline for monthly submissions is the end of the month following the deduction. For example, TDS deducted in July must be reported and paid by the end of August. The format and technical specifications of the monthly return are available on the MRA website, ensuring standardization and ease of electronic filing.
Additional Support and Contact Information
Tax payers requiring further assistance can contact the MRA through their hotline at +230 207 6010 or visit the MRA Customer Service Centre located at Ehram Court, Port Louis. The authority encourages all payers to utilize the online services to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Conclusion
This circular underscores the Mauritian government’s commitment to modernizing tax administration through digital channels and streamlining compliance procedures. Payers are urged to adhere strictly to the deadlines and ensure all required information is accurate to facilitate smooth processing of their TDS returns for the fiscal year ending 30 June 2016.
