TRA collects record 8.87tri/- in Q1

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has raised 8.87tri/- in first quarter of the current financial year, marking a 15.1 per cent increase from 7.79tri/- collected in the corresponding period last year.

In the just-ended quarter of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, TRA succeeded to surpass a revenue target of 8.44tri/-, achieving 106.3 per cent of the target and demonstrating increased efficiency.

Notably, for the first time, the authority collected 3.47 tri/- in September alone this year, the highest monthly amount on record.

In a statement released yesterday, TRA’s Commissioner General, Mr Yusuph Mwenda, attributed these significant gains in collections to, among other factors, an improved relationship between taxpayers and authority officials.

This aligns with directives from President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to encourage voluntary tax compliance.

“This remarkable performance in the first quarter is the result of continued improvements in relations with taxpayers across the country,” Mr Mwenda said, adding, “the number of voluntary taxpayers has risen.”

Furthermore, Mr Mwenda noted that TRA has strengthened collaboration with various ministries, government institutions and all contribute to voluntary tax compliance.

Consequently, revenues recorded in the 2025/2026 first quarter reflect a 104 per cent increase compared to 4.4tri/- collected in the 2020/2021 FY, when President Samia assumed office.

Mr Mwenda also observed that the average monthly revenue collection reached 2.99tri/- in Q1 of the 2025/2026 FY, up from 1.47tri/- during the same period in 2021/2022.

In a related development, he said a surge in economic activities over the past five years, following government initiatives to improve the country’s business environment, has boosted tax generation.

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He explained that the government established the Business Empowerment Desk to support traders and taxpayers in adhering to voluntary tax compliance.

Moreover, Mr Mwenda highlighted that tax collection from digitally operating businesses has enabled the country to diversify its revenue base.

He also pointed out that TRA has reinforced revenue collection from all customs sources under the Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS), while improving cargo unloading procedures at all customs checkpoints.

The TANCIS system is designed to facilitate the clearance of cargo at ports, airports and border crossings.

Mr Mwenda encouraged all taxpayers to use the Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) system to pay taxes.

Additionally, he said TRA has been leveraging Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems to better assess the tax obligations of each businessperson.

TRA has also extended its services to operate on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) at all its offices nationwide.

Overall, Mr Mwenda said the tax collection trends experienced in Q1 signal that the revenue authority is well-positioned to meet its 2025/2026 FY target of 36tri/-.