The newly introduced income tax on Samoan church ministers and pastors continues to cause ripples amongst the public, some of whom are saying that government had duped them into believing that the tax would be on contributions given by church members.
While many had accepted the tax on contributions, recent revelations has raised the ire of many including some church ministers themselves.
It seems many did not know that the tax would also be imposed on gratuities presented to ministers or pastors at events they officiate at like weddings, birthdays and funerals.
The mayor of Fagasa, Savai’i told the Samoa Observer that government had misled the public when they only said that members contributions only would be taxed.
Fa’itau Tuitama’i said they were informed in the beginning that it’s only the ‘alofa’ that will be taxed but now government is also taxing “envelopes” from other services like birthdays and weddings.
He said, “The government was hiding what will happen to the envelopes of pastors all this time to the people of Samoa and the majority of denominations in Samoa.”
“But there’s nothing we can do because the government go on with their plans and leave the people behind.”
Another Savai’i mayor, Moeautolo Filipo of Safua, dahred similar sentiments.
He felt there was not enough consultation between government and the public on the issue.
“This is so much for the people of Samoa, churches never ask the government for help, but the church helps in so many ways for the community and the people of Samoa. This is not right in my understanding,” he said.
