The lecture that was organized by the New Testament Baptist Church last week Tuesday, May 8th 2012 was very successful and insightful for the many persons who came out to the lecture.
The lecture was very well attended and those present got the opportunity to ask questions about the tax system or about their personal issues.
In her opening remarks, the tax inspector, Drs. Maria Bass, commended the New Testament Baptist Church and Pastor Smith for the initiative taken to organize a lecture on this topic at this time. In her lecture, she clarified several issues concerning the tax system that were brought to her attention during the discussion. The lecture was an eye-opener for most persons present.
Drs. Bass brought along with her about 100 Tax return Forms which were issued to those present with the intention to assist with the filling out of the forms. But, on account of the very animated discussion during the almost 3 hours’ session, she did not get the opportunity to do so. Many persons in the audience got the chance to ask question related to themselves or to others and after the lecture, indicated that they were very satisfied with the information received and regretted that they had not received such information before.
Because it was getting rather late, Pastor Smith had to intervene in the very interactive discussion and the attendees expressed the wish to have a continuation of the lecture in which Ms. Bass will be able to advise on how to fill out the Tax Refund Forms.
Drs. Maria Bass requested those present to start filling out the first 2 pages of the rather lengthy tax return forms and reminded the attendees that the deadline for submitting the 2011 Tax Return Form is May 31st 2012. She stated that not submitting this form in due time, could have serious consequences in terms of ever increasing fines. She also indicated that persons who did not receive a 2011 Tax Return Form should go to the Tax Department to collect a form.
Those who attended the lecture were very happy with the information provided as well as with the answers to the many questions on tax issues. They all indicated that they had learnt a lot and regretted that they had not received such information before. It was also indicated that the Tax Department should organize more such information sessions and it was even proposed that information on taxes should be offered in schools to inform the schoolchildren of their civic duties at a young age so that they would not have such anxiety or resistance to filing tax return forms when they grow up.
The follow up lecture on taxes will be held on Thursday, May 17th, 2012 at 7:30 pm at the New Testament Baptist Church. The general public is invited to come out and bring along the 2011 Tax Return Form.