TAMONGCSO urges authorities in Arusha to stop charging abolished taxes and levies

ARUSHA: THE Tanzania Association of Managers and Owners of Non-Government Schools and Colleges (TAMONGSCO) has called on Local Government Authorities to stop charging taxes and levies that were previously abolished by the Central Government, alleging that some councils are using force and municipal guards to collect the payments contrary to the law.

The complaints are mainly directed at Arusha City Council and Arusha District Council, which are accused of continuing to collect taxes and levies that are not recognized by the Central Government, creating confusion and negatively affecting the provision of education services.

Speaking to journalists in Arusha yesterday, TAMONGSCO leaders said that private schools are burdened by more than 11 taxes and levies, including service levy charges, examination-related fees, school signboard licenses, and various sports contributions.

TAMONGSCO Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Nkonya, said some of the charges being demanded by the councils are contrary to directives issued by the Central Government and are placing an unnecessary burden on private school owners

According to him, in addition to service levy charges, schools are also required to pay examination printing fees and contributions for sports and academic competitions under UMITASHUMTA for primary schools and UMISETA for private secondary schools, despite offering little direct benefit to the institutions.

“What we question is the use of force in tax collection. How can armed municipal guards enter schools to demand taxes or even close schools? We commend the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) for engaging taxpayers, providing education and allowing time for compliance. Local authorities should follow the same approach instead of using force. Moreover, on what legal basis are they collecting taxes that were already abolished by the government?” Nkonya asked.

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He warned that if the situation continues unresolved, some private schools may be forced to discontinue their services due to the growing tax burden and what they describe as humiliating treatment.

TAMONGSCO Northern Zone Chairman, Leonard Mao, said complaints over the taxes and levies have persisted for a long time, but efforts to seek clarification from the relevant authorities have not yielded results