Constituency: Marathon
Platform Status: Online

No promise selected.

Reduce VAT from 12% to 10%

No promise selected.

Promise Overview

Reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 12% to 10% to lower the cost of living for Bahamian families and improve affordability of goods and services.

Responsible

Ministry of Finance

Announced

Sept 20, 2021

Election Cycle

2021-2026

Source

FNM Manifesto 2021

No promise selected.

Activity

65%

In Progress

Started

Jan 2022

Target Date

Dec 2026

Est. Impact

High

No promise selected.

Progress Timeline

JAN

2022

Stakeheider Consultations Initiated

Ministry of Finance began consultations with business associations economists and VAT-registered entities

JAN

2022

VAT Policy Paper Published

Policy paper released outlining rationale, fiscal impact and implementation approach.

JAN

2022

Fiscal Impact Assessment Completed

Assessment submitted to Cabinet for consideration.

JAN

2022

Stakeheider Consultations Initiated

Ministry of Finance began consultations with business associations economists and VAT-registered entities

JAN

2022

Stakeheider Consultations Initiated

Ministry of Finance began consultations with business associations economists and VAT-registered entities

JAN

2022

Stakeheider Consultations Initiated

Ministry of Finance began consultations with business associations economists and VAT-registered entities

Timeline reflects public information and is subject to change

Related Civic Issues

High Cost of Living

Rising prices impacting families

Food Prices & Inflation

Staple foods remain expensive

Energy Costs

Electricity and fuel affordability

Related Community Issues

Affordable Groceries

Nassau, New Providence

Transportation Costs

Bahamas Wide

Utility Bills Too High

Grand Bahama

Current Status

Good progress has been made on legislative preparation and stakeholder consultations. Awaiting full implementation.

Next Milestone

Legislation tabled in Parliament Q3 2024

Verification

Assessment

Responsible Ministry/Agency

Ministry of Finance

Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Key Documents & Sources

FNM Manifesto 2021 (Page 24)

PDF Document

Budget Communication 2022

PDF Document

VAT Policy Paper

PDF Document

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Top Commitments

MAY

5

2024

Budget 2024: VAT reform remains a priority

Minister of Finance reiterated commitment to reducing VAT to 10% within this term

Source: Budget Communicetion 2024

APR

5

2024

Committee review of VAT (Amendment) Bill underway

The Standing Committee on Finance is reviewing the draft legislation.

Source: Parliament of The Bahamas

MAR

5

2024

Public consultation summary released

Ministry publishes what was heard during national consultations.

Source: Ministry of Finance

Impact Snapshot

Estimated Annual Savings

$280M+

Households Impacted

100000 +

Inflation Impact

Moderate

Economic Impact

Positive

Impact assessments are estimates and may change.

We Still Watchin'.

Promises were made. The people are watching. Accountability continues.

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