Ministry of Finance has stated the state received over USD 4.726 million as Green Tax during November. The USD 4.726 million collected as Green Tax in November includes USD 4.376 million from resorts and USD 323,709 from guesthouses, hotels and liveaboards.
The Green Tax Fund now amounts to USD 8.481 million. In November, the government spent funds received as Green Tax for 21 environment related projects.
Contributions from the Green Tax Fund were made for the project to establish sewerage system in Muraidhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, project to establish water and sewerage system in Inguraidhoo, Raa Atoll in addition to 11 sewerage projects, 12 water and sewerage projects, establishing safe water systems and regional waste management projects.
Green Tax payable by tourists who stay in tourist resorts, tourist hotels, tourist vessels and tourist guesthouses. Green Tax is payable at the rate of USD 6 per day of stay from tourist resorts, tourist hotels and tourist vessels, and USD 3 per day of stay from tourist guesthouses. Maldivians and resident permit holders are not required to pay Green Tax.
Green Tax liable tourist establishments will be automatically registered for Green Tax, in the name of the operating license holder, from the date on which the Ministry of Tourism issues the operating license.
For foreign tourist vessels, the local agent is required to register for Green Tax. Hence, the local agent is responsible for filing tax returns and payment of Green Tax.
The Green Tax Return must be filed and the payments must be made monthly, on or before 28 of the following month.