Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini has taken a giant step toward strengthening fiscal integrity and national development as the Ministry of Finance and the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) launch two major initiatives, the 2025 Filing Season and the Compliance Improvement Plan (CIP).
Speaking at the ERS Headquarters in Ezulwini, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg commended taxpayers for their continued cooperation and called on all citizens and businesses to “do their part” in building a transparent, fair, and sustainable economy.
“Paying tax is not just a legal obligation; it is a civic responsibility,” the Minister said. “Every Emalangeni collected helps build classrooms, equip hospitals, maintain roads, and uplift vulnerable communities.”
E4.4 Billion in Unpaid Taxes Identified
A recent Tax Gap Analysis by the ERS revealed an estimated E4.4 billion in taxes that were due but not declared or paid. This potential revenue represents significant funds that could advance the nation’s priorities in healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The largest gap was found in Value Added Tax (VAT), amounting to E1.3 billion. Sector-specific analysis identified the Wholesale and Retail sector as the biggest contributor to the gap with E600 million, followed by Manufacturing (E305 million) and Construction (E127 million).
The Minister highlighted that while progress has been made in many areas, some businesses continue to operate informally or under-declare income, practices that create unfair competition and reduce national revenue.
Compliance Improvement Plan: A Modern Approach
To address these challenges, the ERS has rolled out the Compliance Improvement Plan (CIP), a strategic framework built on data-driven analysis, voluntary cooperation, and stronger enforcement.
The CIP aims to:
Encourage voluntary compliance through education and engagement.
Leverage technology, including the TaxEase platform and TaxPal App, to simplify filing.
Target high-risk sectors with tailored interventions to reduce tax leakage.
Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule and his team were praised for spearheading this transformation, which combines modernisation with taxpayer trust-building.
‘Sondzela Sikhulume’ — Working With Taxpayers, Not Against Them
In a gesture of goodwill, the Minister encouraged taxpayers to use the Sondzela Sikhulume Programme, which allows individuals and businesses to voluntarily disclose outstanding tax issues without fear of prosecution, provided they engage the ERS in good faith.
“This programme demonstrates that the ERS is a partner to the people, helping taxpayers regularise their affairs, not punishing them,” Rijkenberg said.
Digital Tools Simplify Filing
The 2025 Filing Season, themed “Doing Your Part Matters,” officially opened this week.
31 October 2025 – Deadline for companies and business associations
30 November 2025 – Deadline for individuals, MPs, trustees, and company directors
The ERS continues to simplify filing through digital tools, allowing taxpayers to submit returns anytime, anywhere, reducing errors and the last-minute rush.
A Call for Shared Responsibility
As Eswatini works toward fiscal transparency and economic resilience, the Finance Minister urged all citizens to see compliance as a shared national responsibility.
“Compliance is not a burden, it’s an investment in our future,” he said. “Together, we can close the E4.4 billion gap, strengthen our revenue base, and build the Eswatini we all aspire to see.”
Key Figures at a Glance:
E4.4 billion – Estimated unpaid taxes
E1.3 billion – VAT gap identified
E600 million – Gap from Wholesale & Retail sector
E305 million – Gap from Manufacturing
E127 million – Gap from Construction
31 Oct 2025 – Filing deadline for companies
30 Nov 2025 – Filing deadline for individuals
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