Apia, SAMOA — Eight church Ministers of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) have been charged for not filing their tax returns.

Confirmed by the Minister of Revenue, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt, more Church Ministers could be charged in the coming weeks.

“As of Wednesday this week, we have charged eight Church Ministers from the C.C.C.S,” Tialavea said. “We intend to charge another eight next week.” 

Tialavea said the Government is not taking a backward step in implementing the law requiring Church Ministers to pay taxes on their alofa (love offerings they receive). 

“Due to the Court’s busy schedule we cannot charge a whole lot so we have to limit it down to eight Church Ministers per week.”

Asked what the charges are, he said: “They are charged with not filing their tax returns.” 

The pressing of charges is the latest chapter in the battle between Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi’s Government and the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa over taxes.

 “The law was passed in January 2018 and all the church denominations have complied except the C.C.C.S,” Tialavea said.

“The law applies to everyone. The law does not wait until it is accepted by a certain group. We have given church ministers eleven months and those who continue to defy the law will face the consequences."

“It saddens me it has come to this, but the law is there and we everyone follows the law.”

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