Ministry of Finance has revealed the state received over USD 40 million as Green Tax in the first 9 months of the year.
Statistics published by finance ministry show USD 42.466 million was received by the end of September. The ministry further revealed the state received USD 37.702 million by the end of August with USD 1.758 million spent to develop sewerage facilities, provide clean drinking water and establish waste management mechanisms.
Green tax is payable by tourists who stay in tourist resorts, tourist hotels and tourist vessels. It is also payable by tourists who stay in tourist guesthouses from October 1, 2016 onwards.
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.