Lecturers from the Seychelles Business Studies Academy (SBSA) have during the month of May and June this year attended various sessions related to the Seychelles tax system and its regime.
Hosted by facilitators from the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), the sessions held in-house on the SBSA grounds at Anse Royale started on 18 May 2023 until mid-June.
The various topics delivered at the sessions covered the revenue laws being administered by the Commission and its applications, the expectations towards tax compliance, the rights granted to registered businesses under the revenue laws, the power of tax officers, the importance of providing advice to taxpayers amongst others.
A dedicated session focused on the role and importance of Customs, laws and procedures for businesses as well as passengers entering the Seychelles was also delivered by SRC, providing insightful information about the Customs Management Act, powers of Customs Officer under the act, procedures one needs to follow upon importation and taxes payable, customs declaration processes and clearance, excise tax, as well as offences and penalties.
Delivered triweekly, the interactive sessions follow an agreement signed early last year between SRC and SBSA, to facilitate capacity building and tax knowledge in the context of Seychelles, through training, so as to ensure domestic tax laws are given prominence in future course materials being developed by SBSA.
As part of the session, to gain in-depth understanding about a particular topic, the lecturers also had the opportunity to ask questions to the facilitators apart from gaining access to the SRC’s educational materials.
Speaking about the collaboration between the two institutions, the Director for Taxpayer’s Education and Service Delivery, Ms. Sheryl Barra said: “As part of the memorandum of understanding signed between SRC and SBSA last year, it was agreed that SRC will support SBSA to develop a local taxation module to better impart tax knowledge in the context of Seychelles to the students attending the academy.
“Thus, given that the Seychelles tax system can be quite complex, it was important for SRC to firstly share knowledge with the lecturers so that they gain a broad understanding about the local taxation laws and its applications including a brief overview about Customs before they proceed in developing such a module.
“We are indeed very happy that we have managed to kick off the program successfully and wish to thank all the directors and managers at SRC for volunteering in delivering the sessions.”
SBSA’s Head of Programme for Accounting and Finance Mr. Seydou Sylla said: “Gratitude and highlight for the responsiveness of the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC). Not only were they willing to help with the curriculum development, but they offered to train the staff who will be involved with the delivery of the course.
“SBSA will now have the knowledge and materials necessary for the development of the domestic taxation course as the staff feels better equipped and confident to be able to develop a robust course outline.
“The collaboration between SBSA and SRC will further deepen the sensitization of the local taxation in the Seychelles, as it will not only prepare the young generation (future professionals) with sound knowledge of the local tax laws and policies, but it will also improve tax awareness and compliance to the general public. This will certainly help SRC in their quest of educating businesses on their obligations so as to collect the maximum revenue possible.”