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High income earners told to meet social obligation

July 10, 2017 6:17 pm

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is calling on high income earners that earn more than $30,000 per year to meet their tax obligation.

Bainimarama says in order for the government to meet its social obligation, they require greater social responsibility from Fijians and businesses with higher incomes.

He adds this will enable the government to fund programs that will assist Fijians and the economy.

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“Very simple. Whether you’re an individual or a business you must pay your rightful share and if you want to rip off your fellow Fijians whether by avoiding tax or charging more than you should with the items you well we intend to hold you to account. Which is why m especially proud of those measures in the budget that are designed to protect consumers from the practices of selfish and dishonest business owners.”

Bainimarama adds that when a supermarket chain is penalized $53 million for tax evasion, it speaks a lot about some business’s values.

He adds it also says a lot about the government’s values when these businesses are brought to account for ripping off their fellow Fijians.

The government has raised the income tax threshold from $16,000 to $30,000 a year in the 2017/2018 national budget.

Bainimarama says this will improve disposable income and the living standards of low income earners.