The tax (VAT) is a form of tax that very few people can avoid because it is charged on goods and services at different stages of consumption. However, thanks to a measure introduced by the government, farmers and ranchers can now, under certain conditions, may be reimbursed tax on value added.
"After negotiations with the government, we obtained the principle that VAT can be refunded in order to alleviate some of the cost of operation from small growers, pig farmers, horticulturists and other categories of breeders , "said Krit Beeharry, president of the Small Planters Welfare Fund.
He adds: " The calculation of VAT on agricultural products for consumption seems extremely complicated to implement. Thus it was decided to refund the VAT amount that a buyer has paid at the time to purchase some equipment. This measure came into play in early 2012. In some cases, reimbursement may be between Rs 500,000 and Rs 700,000 depending on the cost of equipment. "
Among the equipment concerned, there are, among others, up to 120 horsepower tractors, equipment to spread manure and fertilizers, or those for cleaning for pig farmers, incubators, equipment to extract milk and milk to preserve the containers.
This measure was announced in Budget 2012. Xavier Luc Duval, Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, said last year that about 23 000 smallholder sugarcane growers 6000, and approximately 5,000 breeders of cattle and pigs benefit from this measure.
To obtain reimbursement, the beneficiaries of this measure may be to liaise with the Small Planters Welfare Fund or directly to the office of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).