Netflix, Spotify, ChatGPT get costlier: Banks to collect 20% tax from October 15
From October 15, 2026, banks will collect a 20% tax on Netflix, Spotify, ChatGPT and other cross-border digital services paid for with Ghana-issued cards.
Starting October 15, 2026, many Ghanaians will see their monthly subscriptions increase by 20% due to a new tax imposed by commercial banks. The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) directed banks to collect and remit a 20% charge on qualifying cross-border digital services at the point of payment. This tax combines a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), a 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), and a 2.5% Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Levy.
For example, a GH¢1,000 subscription will now cost GH¢1,200, with GH¢150 going to VAT, GH¢25 to NHIL, and GH¢25 to GETFund Levy. Despite the new tax, the legal basis for this change comes from the Value Added Tax Act (Act 1151) which has been in effect since January 1, 2026. The tax will be collected by banks and payment service providers when a transaction is processed, ensuring transparency and consistency in digital payments.
The services affected by this tax include streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, productivity tools such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, and AI tools like ChatGPT. Cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud may also be covered. This tax applies to various transactions, including online learning, gaming, VPN and cybersecurity services, travel bookings, and business communication tools.
Businesses relying on foreign software, cloud infrastructure, digital advertising, and AI tools may face higher operating costs due to this tax.
Written by urgent.news from 3News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
