Will cattle, pigs and food for faifeau be taxed too?

By Mata'afa Keni Lesa 06 November 2017, 12:00AM

An interesting story jumped out for attention on page 3 of the Weekend Observer of 4 November 2017. Titled “P.M. deflects criticisms of taxing envelopes for pastors,” we say it was unusual for the simple reason that P.M. Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi is not one to dodge anything. 

That’s just not his style – from what we know at least. He would usually confront anything head on and whether we like it or not, he wouldn’t care.

The issue in question is the government’s decision not to just tax members of the clergy but also tax the gratuities traditionally given to them when they officiate birthdays, weddings, funeral services and many other forms of fa’alavelave. 

These can range from $100 to $10,000.

Last week, a Church Minister spoke up angrily about the issue. He accused the government of misleading them after he discovered the new tax law is not limited to the “alofa.” 

 “The amendment to the law extends to other income received from performing services in our roles as church ministers,” the Pastor said. “I am sad because we were not informed about this during the public meetings. Under Income Tax Act 2012 Section 61 amended clearly indicates that it is not limited to the contributions from the churches.”

Well the Pastor has a point. The fact is if what he is saying is the truth, then the government clearly lied during the consultation process. In a country that recently declared itself as an official Christian state, this is a big one. Especially when it involves people who are often referred to as God’s representatives on earth.

Now this has angered many church members. Village Mayor of Fagasa, Faitau Tuitama, is among them.

“The government is destroying our pastors who are feagaiga in villages and we have to take care of them – they are servants of God,” he said.

 “How come the people of Samoa were not informed that the gifts for pastors for performing funerals, weddings, opening ceremonies etc. would be taxed?

“How come ministers and government officials don’t get taxed when they attend funerals, birthday and other services where they are given monies?

“What about those live cows where most families give as gifts for pastors at funerals, are they going to kill the cow and see if they can get half of what it is sold for?”

Well he has a point.

Another Village Mayor, Moeautolo Filipo, of Safua, supported his colleague. He said it’s sad to hear how the government went on with their plans without proper consultations with churches. 

“There’s no doubt that the government is everywhere looking for money to survive. I think that’s why they are hiding this action of collecting money from other services that pastors provide,” Moeautolo said.

“The burden ends up on people’s shoulders. You see, people’s money that they give to the church have already been taxed and now the government is coming from the other way around to double tax people.

“This is too much for the people of Samoa, churches never asked the government for help, but the church helps in so many ways with the community and the people of Samoa. This is not right in my understanding.”

We couldn’t agree more. Whatever way the government taxes pastors and the church, it will ultimately fall on the shoulders of members of the public who are already being taxed to the bone.

Now when P.M. Tuilaepa was asked for a comment, it appeared as if he was tired so that he simply took a nice sidestep and deflected the criticism.

“That decision lies with the Ministry of Revenue,” he said.

Pressed on the issue, Tuilaepa said: “Look, taxes are allocated for all the income that you get, but for additional income from services that can be negotiated by the Ministry of Revenue.”

Asked whether Cabinet Ministers’ additional income of the envelopes they receive from ground breaking ceremonies and other events should be taxed as well, he replied: “Those are additional income they don’t get on the daily basis.” 

Really? Is this yet another case of ‘do what we tell you but don’t do what we do’? 

In any case, perhaps if this government is so desperate for money, they could even tax the cattle, pigs and food received by the faifeau. That would probably make them happier. What do you think? Write and share your thoughts with us!

Have a great Tuesday Samoa, God bless!

By Mata'afa Keni Lesa 06 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>