Taxpayers welcome 100pc waiver on penalties, interest

ZANZIBAR: TAXPAYERS in Zanzibar have warmly welcomed the government’s decision to grant a 100 per cent waiver on tax penalties and interest arrears, hailing it as a significant relief that will support businesses in recovering and improving compliance.

The feedback came during a training session on the newly amended tax laws for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, held at the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) headquarters in Mazizini.

Wholesale trader Abdul-Hamid Mshangama said the waiver provides businesses with a valuable opportunity to reorganise and settle their tax obligations on time.

“This shows the government values its taxpayers. We must seize this opportunity and pay taxes correctly to help the country progress,” he remarked.

ALSO READ: Middlemen ‘mawinga’ cry over new tax push

Other businesspeople, including Hajra Saleh of Auric Air and Abdulghan Suleiman of Azam Marine, expressed similar views, noting that the reform will encourage voluntary compliance and strengthen the relationship between taxpayers and the government.

ZRA Head of Information, Public Relations and Taxpayer Services, Makame Khamis Mohammed said that the tax reforms aim to make the laws more business-friendly, transparent and efficient.

He urged taxpayers to embrace the changes, take advantage of the waiver before the December 31 deadline and ensure full compliance.