St Lucia's Taxpayers Are Paying Less

by Robert Lee, Tax-News.com, London

12 July 2001

In keeping with an announcement made by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Dr Kenny D Anthony in his 2001/2002 Budget presentation earlier this year, St Lucians have started paying less income tax.

Leslie Ann Modeste, Supervisor of the Tax Payers Unit in the Inland Revenue Department, said the relevant legislation providing for lower tax deductions took effect last month. She explained: 'Utilizing the income tax returns which were filed for the income year 2000, we have amended everybody's tax code and that information is available at this date.'

In his Budget speech, Dr Anthony pledged that personal tax allowances would be increased for three consecutive years, starting in the current income year 2001.

Ms Modeste added: 'Through the use of slogans which were initiatives from staff in our department, we have interacted with the Government Information Service (GIS) to put out promos using the print and electronic media, along with postal outlets, to get people aware of the new developments, that their tax codes have changed, personal allowances have increased, and therefore they should be paying less tax.'

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