IRD clears significant VAT refund backlog

► A LARGE PORTION OF REFUND BACKLOG HAS BEEN CLEARED THIS YEAR ► COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS WITH TAXPAYERS ARE UNDERWAY TO RESOLVE REMAINDER

- By NISHEL FERNANDO

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has disbursed a large portion of its long-standing tax refund backlog this year, following a targeted intervention by the Finance Ministry to address a major grievance within the business community.

While significant progress has been made, the officials state that a joint effort between the department and taxpayers is crucial to clear the remaining cases.

The development was confirmed in Colombo recently by Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, who acknowledged the persistent complaints regarding the processing delays.

"We have heard the common complaint in recent days about the time it takes to get a refund from the IRD," Dr. Suriyapperuma stated.