The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has publicly disclosed the names of individuals and businesses that failed to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) as of November last year.

According to the list released, 146 names have been published, comprising those with outstanding GST liabilities exceeding MVR 600,000. While MIRA did not specify the exact amount owed by each party, altogether, the outstanding GST liabilities amount to more than MVR 87.6 million

The disclosure forms part of MIRA’s broader strategy aimed at increasing tax compliance by naming those who have not filed their tax returns or defaulted on payment obligations. Among the defaulters are companies engaged in wholesale trading and businesses involved in the sale of prominent vehicle brands within the Maldives.

As clarified by MIRA, the names were made public only after repeated attempts to recover the outstanding dues. The authority stated that several reminders and formal notices had been issued to the defaulters before taking this step. Additionally, taxpayers had been provided with extended time frames and various concessions to settle their liabilities.

MIRA also noted that those unable to make full payments at once are offered the option to enter into instalment-based payment agreements. The authority has assured that no further enforcement actions will be taken as long as taxpayers adhere to the terms of these agreements.

Officials highlighted that while such payment relief options are available, they come in the context of rising tax rates. MIRA has advised taxpayers to be cautious and timely in submitting their tax returns, even with the current flexibilities in place.