IMF commends TRA tax reforms

DAR ES SALAAM: THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) for strengthening tax administration, improving taxpayer services and creating a more conducive environment for business and investment in the country.

The accolades were showered on the authority during a meeting in Dar es Salaam between an IMF delegation led by Mr Thabo Letjama and the TRA management headed by Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Letjama said the IMF was satisfied with TRA’s performance, particularly its efforts to improve tax administration while facilitating trade and investment.

He also applauded the authority for maintaining close relations with taxpayers, saying the approach has strengthened trust and improved tax compliance.

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Mr Letjama pledged that the IMF would continue working closely with TRA to support initiatives aimed at enhancing tax administration, trade facilitation and investment promotion.

On his part, Commissioner General Mwenda said TRA had strengthened its relationship with taxpayers across the country, resulting in increased voluntary tax compliance and higher revenue collections.

He noted that the authority has continued to broaden the tax base by registering new taxpayers while creating a favourable environment for businesses and other economic activities.

Mr Mwenda added that TRA has also enhanced digital tax administration through the Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS) for domestic taxes and the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS) for customs operations.

He reaffirmed TRA’s commitment to working closely with the IMF to further improve tax administration, including ensuring timely payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds to eligible taxpayers.