How TRA has checked graft
With automated systems, queues such as these ones – witnessed in 2013 at TRA’s Mwenge Branch - are now things of the past for taxpayers. PHOTO | FILE
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It has also helped to hasten the pace at which tax is remitted since taxpayers can easily pay their dues from the comfort of their homes or offices using internet connected devices.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) said yesterday that the introduction of online payment system last year has greatly reduced cases of corruption and fraud involving revenue authorities and other unscrupulous businesspeople.
It has also helped to hasten the pace at which tax is remitted since taxpayers can easily pay their dues from the comfort of their homes or offices using internet connected devices.
The systems include the Tanzania Customs Integrated System for clearance of goods (Tancis), the Revenue Gateway System and online paying tool for importation of used cars which were introduced last year.
TRA director for taxpayer services and education Richard Kayombo told The Citizen yesterday that initially the online systems faced a lot of resistance from some quarters within the system who used to benefit from the manual scheme.
“We have now been able to curb fraud, control corruption due to limited human interactions,” he said, without ascertaining the amount saved in the process.
He said the system has also brought in more accountability because everything can be tracked transparently for both the traders and taxation officials to see and report accordingly.
According to him, Tancis - a web-based system - is one of the online services which have resolved a lot of issues that existed before in as far as clearance of goods was concerned. Tancis, he said, has increased speed of clearance, transparency and accountability as transactions can now be done anywhere.
“We now know what each party in clearance is doing because all processes are tractable where all shipping agents and government agencies do not require going to TRA to perform their transactions,” he said.
Mr Kayombo said a system known as Revenue Gateway System allows lodging of tax returns online. Payment of taxes are made by the taxpayer at his premises and confirmation made at TRA and payments realised same day by banks, treasury or central bank. “This is also saving time and alleviating fraud,” he said.
He noted that TRA also has an online tool in their website which enables people to realise taxes in advance prior to importation of used motor vehicles.
