Glossary
Ghana tax terms, explained simply
Look up any tax term you come across — no jargon.
- Capital Gains Tax
Tax on the gain when you sell an asset for more than you bought it.
- Corporate Income Tax
Tax paid by companies on their chargeable profits.
- COVID-19 Levy
A levy introduced to fund the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- GETFund Levy
Ghana Education Trust Fund Levy — used to support education infrastructure.
- Ghana Card / GhanaCard PIN
The national ID which now serves as your Taxpayer Identification Number for individuals.
- GRA
Ghana Revenue Authority — the government agency that administers tax laws in Ghana.
- Modified Taxation Scheme
A simplified tax regime for small informal-sector businesses.
- NHIL
National Health Insurance Levy — a levy that helps fund the National Health Insurance Scheme.
- PAYE
Pay As You Earn — income tax deducted by employers from employee salaries and paid to GRA.
- Presumptive Tax
Tax based on estimated turnover for small businesses that don't keep detailed accounts.
- Rent Tax
Tax on income earned by landlords from renting out property.
- Tax Clearance Certificate
A GRA document confirming you have met your tax obligations.
- Tax Relief
An allowance that reduces your taxable income — e.g. child education, aged dependant.
- TIN
Taxpayer Identification Number — a unique number that identifies you as a taxpayer with GRA.
- VAT
Value Added Tax — a consumption tax charged on the supply of most goods and services in Ghana.
- Withholding Tax
Tax deducted at source from certain payments (e.g. contracts, rent) and remitted to GRA.