TRA sets strategies to further combat tax evasion

GEITA: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has introduced robust strategies to tackle tax evasion and ensure fairness in the business sector.

TRA Commissioner General Mr Yusuph Mwenda without elaborating further the strategies said the aim is to maintain integrity and support equitable trading practices.

“Taxes do not belong to TRA; they belong to Tanzanians. TRA merely collects them to fund development activities,” Mr Mwenda said when he met with businesspersons in Geita.

The session was designed to address complaints, provide advice and respond to business-related concerns.

He said that businesses engaging in tax evasion not only deprives the country of crucial revenue, but also hinders the government’s development plans and those caught evading taxes will face stringent actions.

“We will enhance our efforts to gather information on tax evaders and significantly strengthen our investigation and inspection units to identify them,” he said.

“It is unfair for some businesses to pay taxes while others do not within the same market. This situation is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it.

I urge everyone not to support tax evaders.” Mr Mwenda reassured Geita’s business community that TRA operates impartially and without bias in tax matters.

ALSO READ: AFDB advises on boosting tax collection

Geita’s Tanzania Chamber of Commerce (TCCIA) Chairman Eng Robert Gabriel, expressed gratitude to TRA for its commitment to addressing business concerns and fostering a supportive environment.

“We pledge to continue conducting our business in accordance with the rules, regulations and procedures,” Eng Gabriel said.