DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Revenue Authority (TRA) has collected 13tri/- in Dar es Salaam Region from July to December 2024, signifying the commercial city’s role as a unique contributor to revenue collection across the country.
TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda made this statement in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, during a ceremony to honour the top taxpayers in Dar es Salaam’s tax regions for the year 2023/2024.
Commissioner Mwenda said that Dar es Salaam is distinct due to its five tax regions Ilala, Temeke, Kinondoni, Tegeta and Kariakoo as well as the Customs Department.
“Along with the five tax regions, we also have the Customs Department, which oversees three major regions, a Special Services Centre, a Fuel Tax Collection Centre and the Julius Nyerere International Airport, where taxes are collected,” he said.
He further noted that these factors, among others, enabled TRA to collect 16.5tri/- from July to December 2024, with 13tri/- collected within the Dar es Salaam region alone.
“Dar es Salaam contributes nearly 85 per cent of the country’s total revenue, which is significant, even though revenue is also being collected in other regions. However, the majority of operations are carried out in Dar es Salaam,” he added.
Commissioner Mwenda assured that TRA will continue to ensure fairness in tax collection, maintaining a peaceful process without resorting to force, preventing smuggling, increasing the number of taxpayers and improving tax management systems.
“Dar es Salaam has many entry points, including Kunduchi, Mbweni and extending to Nyamisati, where tax payment disparities exist. We appreciate the cooperation and we will continue to work together to eliminate smuggling,” he explained.
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He also said that, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, TRA start using the TANCIS system on January 20 this year, a move that will simplify cargo clearance at ports, airports and border points.
“We are also rolling out the IDRAS system in phases, starting Monday (today). This system will allow individuals to apply for driver’s licences without visiting our offices and it will be used for vehicle registration as well,” he added.
He noted that approximately 3.2 million taxpayers are currently registered, including businesses and employees.
“In addition, we have individuals who pay taxes for their vehicles and those who pay taxes when selling property. Last year, the number of taxpayers was around 3.4 million, which brings the total number of registered taxpayers to nearly 6 million. However, we encourage consistent and regular payments,” he said.
Commissioner Mwenda expressed his gratitude to President Samia for transforming the best taxpayer awards into the Presidential Awards for Best Taxpayers, set to launch next year.
“This is a major milestone for taxpayers in this country. It means that those who perform well will be honoured with a Presidential award, while those who evade taxes will essentially be challenging the President,” he remarked.
The Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Mr Albert Chalamila, underscored the importance of TRA fostering a culture of preparing new taxpayers, ensuring that if one faces capital challenges, others are ready to step in and continue paying taxes.
“Every citizen should pay taxes according to their ability, regardless of whether they are rich or poor. Contributions should be made based on one’s income. This approach will help build a united nation. Without a solid tax payment system, the country will face stagnation,” Mr Chalamila said.
