THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Kagera Region plans to collect a total of 105.98bn/- in 2022/2023 financial year.
Acting Kagera Regional TRA Manager, Mr Michael Nsobi told the ‘Daily News’ in an interview at his office that the regional revenue target for the 2021/2022 financial year that ended on June 30th, this year was 81.98bn/-.
“Until June 30th, this year, TRA managed to collect a total of 94.83bn/-. This is a performance rate of 115.67 per cent,” he said.
Expounding, he said the Domestic Revenue Department (DRD), targets to collect 58.70bn/- in the current financial year compared to 48.9bn/- in 2021/22 financial year. In the past financial year the authority managed to collect 51.86bn/-, implying 106 per cent performance.
The Customs and Excise Department (CED), on the other hand, targets to collect 47.28bn/- this financial year compared to 33.08bn/- planned last financial year. In its performance last financial year, TRA surpassed the target by collecting 42.97bn/-, equivalent to 129.89 per cent,” he said.
Mr Nsobi explained that 20,569 business people in the region were registered under TIN programme, adding that more efforts are being made to register more traders.
“During 2021/22 financial year, about 361 business people were registered under EFDs programme while the target for 2022/23 financial year is to register 400 traders,” he said. According to TRA, Kagera has 1,843 Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs).
He attributed the good performance to tax compliance from tax payers, continued education and more usage of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs).
Other strategies include frequent reminders by text messages, adverts through local radios and public vehicle announcements, payment of arrears by government agencies, team spirit by all employees and support from other government institutions.
The Regional Manager appealed to tax payers to adhere to voluntary tax payment, advising them to utilise online submission of tax returns and ensure they get receipts on all purchased products.
Mr Nsobi appealed to Tanzanians to pay taxes as required by the law to enhance economic development and avoid unnecessary inconveniences that may occur due to non-compliance.
He appealed to taxpayers to visit the nearest TRA offices for necessary guidance, urging traders to ensure that they utilise Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs). He urged customers to demand receipts for goods they buy.
“Contravening the directive is an offense and is punishable by law. A person convicted for non issuance of EFDs receipt or demanding a receipt for goods is liable to pay fine ranging between 30,000/- and 1.5m/-, he warned.
He urged entrepreneurs to be honest and trustful when conducting their business in line with government directives. They should also not hesitate to expose big traders who intend to cheat by using small-scale traders and hawkers to avoid paying taxes.
Also, they should report corrupt leaders who use the opportunity to get quick money from wananchi. “The government has much trust in you. Be honest and expose such cheaters to relevant authorities for necessary action,” he urged.
He reminded the public that tax evasion is a criminal offense whereby a person convicted of the offence is liable to a maximum fine of 20m/-. A person who discloses such acts gets a reward equivalent to 3 per cent of the amount.
He advised business persons to contact TRA offices to get Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) and Trade Officers to get business licenses.
“I urge you to support the government initiatives by educating people on the importance of paying taxes to speed up the nation’s development. This will be realized through tax compliance.
All business people must ensure that they pay taxes on time. Customers should ensure that they get receipts for goods they buy from traders by getting EFDs receipts,” he said.
