Government Slaps 21% VAT On Facebook Advertisement From August 1

Government has imposed a 21 percent VAT on advertisement on social media platform, Facebook.

The newly introduced charge takes effect from August 1, 2023, and applies to both business and personal advertisements.

This was announced today by Meta, the parent company of Facebook.

By this, all advertisers with a business country of Ghana will be levied, 2.5 percent NHIL, 2.5 percent GETFUND, one percent COVID-19 Levy plus the original 15 percent VAT.

“Meta is required to charge VAT levies on sale of ads to advertisers, regardless of whether you’re buying ads for business or personal purposes”, an email from Meta Business mentioned.

Government is targeting the taxation of e-commerce and digital platforms as part of its revenue mobilization agenda.

“If you’re registered for VAT and provide your name, address and VAT ID, your name, address and VAT ID will show up your ads receipts. In the event that you’re entitled to recover VAT, this may help you recover and VAT you paid to Ghana Revenue Authority if you are a VAT registered business in Ghana”, the mail added.