TRA chief commits to improving business environment

Dodoma. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda, has said the authority has a key role in creating a business-friendly environment to enhance revenue collection.

Mr Mwenda made the statement on Friday, August 9, 2024, during a working session with the Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF) in Dar es Salaam.

He said if TRA contributes to the failure of businesses, then it would be counterproductive, as tax collections would decrease, which is contrary to the intentions of President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration.

“We will work to ensure that businesses thrive because if they fail, where will we collect taxes from? Therefore, our job at TRA is to facilitate business operations,” he said.

Among other things, Mr Mwenda launched the TRA Sikika program, which allows anyone to submit feedback or complaints to the taxman.

Regarding President Samia's directive to ensure the government systems are interoperable, Mr Mwenda said they have already begun implementing it, with nearly 80 institutions currently interconnected, hinting that the goal was to link over 300 institutions.

“By next year, these institutions will be interconnected, which will significantly reduce inconvenience.

This will help us know who is doing what, where they are, and by collaborating with other institutions, we will be able to achieve our goals,” he said.

Mr Mwenda said that among his strategies is to continue addressing tax-related complaints from businesses, enforcing ethical standards among staff, and taking appropriate action against those who refuse to adapt.

Another focus is to enhance the capabilities of the tax evasion investigation unit and take necessary actions against evaders.