Business tax and compliance in Ghana: the basics

Snapshot

A Ghana company registers with the Office of the Registrar of Companies, holds a Tax Identification Number, and deals with the Ghana Revenue Authority for taxes such as corporate income tax and value added tax. The standard corporate income tax rate is 25 percent. From 1 January 2026 a value added tax reform set the standard rate at 15 percent alongside two 2.5 percent levies, decoupled those levies so they can be recovered as input tax, abolished the COVID 19 Health Recovery Levy, and abolished the VAT Flat Rate Scheme. Figures here are as of 24 March 2026, and this is general information, not advice.

Tax authority: The Ghana Revenue Authority, with company registration at the Office of the Registrar of Companies
Corporate income tax: Standard rate 25 percent, with different rates for some sectors. Verify for your activity.
Value added tax: 15 percent standard rate from 1 January 2026, plus a 2.5 percent health levy and a 2.5 percent GETFund levy
Record keeping: Keep books of account and file annual returns with the Office of the Registrar of Companies

Fees and features as of 24 March 2026Last reviewed 24 March 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Business tax and compliance in Ghana starts with registration at the Office of the Registrar of Companies and a Tax Identification Number, then dealings with the Ghana Revenue Authority for taxes such as corporate income tax and value added tax. The standard corporate income tax rate is 25 percent, while a value added tax reform in force from 1 January 2026 set the standard rate at 15 percent alongside two 2.5 percent levies, decoupled those levies so they can be recovered as input tax, abolished the COVID 19 Health Recovery Levy, abolished the VAT Flat Rate Scheme, and raised the registration threshold. This page is general information as of 24 March 2026, not advice, so confirm your obligations with the Ghana Revenue Authority or a qualified adviser.

How business tax and compliance work in Ghana

A company is first registered with the Office of the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Act, 2019, as a sole proprietorship or a limited company. The business then obtains a Tax Identification Number, and for individuals the Ghana Card Personal Identification Number serves as the Tax Identification Number. From there the company meets its duties through the Ghana Revenue Authority, the central tax authority that administers corporate income tax, value added tax, pay as you earn, and withholding tax, mostly on a self assessment basis. As of 24 March 2026, confirm the current process with the Ghana Revenue Authority or an adviser.

Corporate income tax

The standard corporate income tax rate in Ghana is 25 percent, applied to company profits and handled on a self assessment basis where the company computes its liability, files returns, and pays. Some sectors and activities differ. Mining and upstream petroleum are generally taxed at 35 percent, income from non traditional exports at 8 percent, and free zone enterprises enjoy a tax holiday followed by a capped rate. As of 24 March 2026, verify the rate and reliefs for your activity with the Ghana Revenue Authority or an adviser.

Value added tax and the 2026 reform

A value added tax reform took effect on 1 January 2026. The standard value added tax rate is 15 percent, charged alongside the National Health Insurance Levy of 2.5 percent and the GETFund Levy of 2.5 percent. Under the reform the levies were decoupled from the value added tax base so they can be recovered as input tax, which lowered the effective combined rate, the 1 percent COVID 19 Health Recovery Levy was abolished, and the VAT Flat Rate Scheme for retailers was abolished so affected businesses move to the standard system. The registration threshold for suppliers of taxable goods was raised, reported as an increase to 750,000 cedis in annual taxable turnover. As of 24 March 2026, confirm the current rates, thresholds, and filing dates with the Ghana Revenue Authority or an adviser.

Core compliance tasks

The recurring duties a Ghana company is most likely to meet are listed below. Exact obligations depend on the company. Verify with the Ghana Revenue Authority or an adviser

Register with the Office of the Registrar of Companies and hold a Tax Identification Number, then meet tax duties through the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Compute and file corporate income tax on a self assessment basis, and register for and file value added tax where your turnover meets the threshold.
Operate pay as you earn for staff, handle withholding tax where it applies, and contribute to social security through the relevant scheme.
Keep books of account and file annual returns with the Office of the Registrar of Companies, a separate corporate filing from tax returns.

The international providers we compare do not confirm a business account for companies resident in Ghana as of 24 March 2026. Companies in Ghana usually bank with an established local bank such as GCB Bank, Ecobank Ghana, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Stanbic Bank Ghana, or Absa Bank Ghana. Compare their published terms and see the related guides below.

Questions about tax and compliance in Ghana

Who collects company tax in Ghana?

The Ghana Revenue Authority is the central tax authority. Companies first register with the Office of the Registrar of Companies, then obtain a Tax Identification Number used for company taxes such as corporate income tax and value added tax. Most compliance is by self assessment and periodic filings. As of 24 March 2026, verify your position with the Ghana Revenue Authority or an adviser.

What is the corporate income tax rate in Ghana?

The standard corporate income tax rate in Ghana is 25 percent. Some sectors and activities differ, with mining and upstream petroleum taxed at 35 percent, income from non traditional exports at 8 percent, and free zone enterprises enjoying a tax holiday followed by a capped rate. As of 24 March 2026, verify the rate for your activity with the Ghana Revenue Authority or an adviser.

What is the VAT rate in Ghana after the 2026 reform?

From 1 January 2026 the standard value added tax rate is 15 percent, charged alongside the National Health Insurance Levy of 2.5 percent and the GETFund Levy of 2.5 percent. Under the reform the levies were decoupled so they can be recovered as input tax, the COVID 19 Health Recovery Levy was abolished, and the VAT Flat Rate Scheme was abolished. As of 24 March 2026, verify the current position with the Ghana Revenue Authority or an adviser.

When must a business register for VAT in Ghana?

From 1 January 2026 the value added tax registration threshold for suppliers of taxable goods was raised, reported as an increase to 750,000 cedis in annual taxable turnover. A business at or above the threshold registers with the Ghana Revenue Authority. As of 24 March 2026, confirm the current threshold and your obligation with the Ghana Revenue Authority or an adviser.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 24 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Tax and compliance in Ghana