The rate
The standard rate in Ghana is 15%. Some goods and services carry reduced or zero rates and others are exempt. The difference matters: zero-rated sales still let you reclaim the tax on your purchases, exempt sales do not.
Plus the 2.5% NHIL and 2.5% GETFund levy, which since 1 January 2026 sit inside the VAT base and are reclaimable as input tax. The effective rate on a standard supply is 20%. The 1% COVID-19 levy was abolished on 1 January 2026.
Who must register
Registration becomes compulsory once taxable turnover passes the threshold Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) sets, measured over a rolling period. Below it, registration is usually voluntary, which makes sense if your customers are registered businesses that can reclaim what you charge.
Compulsory above GH₵750,000 of turnover a year for goods since 1 January 2026, raised from GH₵200,000. Suppliers of services must register at any turnover. The VAT flat rate scheme was abolished at the same time.
How to register
Register with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on GRA Taxpayers Portal (taxpayersportal.com) using your TIN. Once registered you receive a VAT registration number or certificate, and from that date you must charge VAT on taxable sales, issue compliant invoices and file returns even when nothing is due.
Charging VAT on an invoice
Show the net amount, the VAT rate, the VAT amount and the gross total, with your registration number in the header. Prices quoted to consumers should include VAT; prices quoted to businesses usually exclude it and say so. The Ghana calculator adds or removes VAT and shows the arithmetic.
- For registered businesses, a VAT invoice issued through the GRA's Certified Invoicing System (E-VAT), carrying the device code and QR code.
- The levies shown separately: NHIL 2.5% and GETFund 2.5% alongside 15% VAT, giving 20% on a standard supply. The COVID-19 levy was abolished on 1 January 2026.
Filing and paying
Returns are periodic, most often monthly or quarterly, and report the VAT you charged less the VAT you paid on purchases. The difference is paid to Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) by the return deadline; a repayment is claimed when purchases exceed sales.
Monthly returns and payment are due by the last working day of the month following the return month.
Penalties for getting it wrong
Late registration, late returns and late payment each attract penalties and interest with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Charging VAT while unregistered is an offence in most countries. If you missed the threshold, register now and declare the back period.