Following calls by former Independent Senator, Everistus Jn Marie, the government is shedding some light on the government’s plan for the existing VAT exempt list. Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Ubaldus Raymond, says the matter is not as simple as it seems. He says reviewing the VAT exempt and zero rated list is definitely on the table. He has called on citizens to consider whether a long list of VAT exempt and zero rated items is worth paying a high VAT rate, or whether a shrinking list of VAT exempt items is not well worth it, given the decrease in the VAT rate. The Minister adds that the VAT exempt list can be reduced and thereby allow the government to find more targeted means to provide relief to the underprivileged. Former Senator Everistus Jn Marie had argued that applying VAT across the board, or to more items could very well mean that St Lucians are in fact not saving any money from the VAT reduction and, even possibly result in citizens paying even more VAT.
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