Ghana’s headline VAT rate is 15%. The rate you actually pay is 21.9%.

Ghana VAT and levies calculator

Add or remove Ghanaian VAT, NHIL, GETFund and the COVID-19 levy, and see why the effective rate is higher than the headline 15%.

Why the two numbers differ

Three levies are charged on the value of a supply before VAT is applied, and VAT is then charged on the total including them:

Charge Rate Charged on
NHIL 2.5% The value
GETFund levy 2.5% The value
COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy 1% The value
VAT 15% The value plus the levies

The levies add 6%. VAT is then charged on that larger base, which is what takes the total to 21.9%.

Registration

VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds ₵200,000 in a twelve-month period. Retailers within a turnover band may instead use the VAT Flat Rate Scheme at 3%.

VAT and the levies, explained Freelancing in Ghana