Accra, Nov. 13, GNA – Mr Lawrence Hotsonyame has unveiled his book, “The Scope and Coverage of Income Taxation with Detailed Court Cases and Practical Illustrations,” at a launch held on Tuesday.
The 633-page book is tailored for professionals in Ghana’s tax landscape, serving as an essential resource for staff of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), tax practitioners, legal professionals, accountants, finance officers, and students in law and accounting.
Popularly known as “Sir Law,” Mr. Hotsonyame is the Assistant Commissioner and Head of the Technical Training Unit at the GRA. He has compiled his vast experience into this comprehensive guide, covering key principles of Ghanaian income tax law.
With over two decades of expertise in domestic and international tax law, he offers readers an in-depth look at topics ranging from basic income tax principles to the complexities of taxation on business income, investments, partnerships, and trusts.
Spanning twenty chapters, the book delves into income tax principles in Ghana, including income classification, residency status, and methods of accounting.
It also covers specific income types, allowable deductions, and critical issues like tax evasion, tax avoidance, and withholding taxes.
The book addresses the application of tax laws across various business structures, such as sole proprietorships, companies, and trusts.
The final chapters focus on permanent establishment taxation and assessment types, with practical examples throughout to demystify complex provisions.
In his review, Mr Hotsonyame emphasized, “The perspectives and interpretations provided are my own and highlight the importance of consulting the latest tax laws, as this book reflects tax rates and regulations at the time of publication.”
Explaining his inspiration for the book, he said, “What these books sought to do is to provide the basic understanding of the application of the tax laws.”
He added that the book simplifies tax topics, using “illustrations and court cases” to make it an essential resource for taxpayers, professionals, and students alike.
During the launch, Madam Julie Essiam, Commissioner-General of the GRA, praised Mr Hotsonyame’s work as a “pillar of excellence” in Ghana’s tax field.
She described the book as an invaluable resource, noting, “This book breaks down the complexities of our tax laws, making it essential for both professionals and the general public.”
Mr Edward Apenteng Gyamrah, Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD), highlighted the complexity of Ghana’s tax laws and the importance of the book in helping practitioners and the public navigate the tax system.
He said, “The income tax act that we have has been a big challenge to comprehend… The author has simplified these issues… for ease of understanding and appreciating what the tax law is all about.” He further praised the book for its practicality and accessibility.
Published by Digibooks Ghana Ltd, the book is available at leading bookstores in Ghana as well as online at Amazon, BookNook Store, and Digibooks.
GNA