Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has urged taxpayers to immediately settle their tax obligations, including the fourth instalment of income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) returns, to avoid penalties and interest charges.
TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda issued the warning during a meeting with customs agents and tax consultants in Dar es Salaam, over the weekend.
He stressed that voluntary and timely tax payment is a civic duty and a foundation for national financial self-reliance. Mr Mwenda urged tax consultants and customs agents to guide clients towards compliance and to expose tax evasion practices.
“We know tax evasion occurs through smuggling, failure to issue receipts and false declarations. Those involved will face legal action,” he said.
He noted that evasion undermines fair competition and erodes trust among compliant taxpayers. TRA is intensifying enforcement and anti-smuggling measures to broaden the tax base.
Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association President Edward Urio called on businesses to end the year without tax arrears and praised improvements in TRA services, particularly the TANCIS system.
Tax consultants’ representative Victoria Soka said they are committed to promoting compliance and building tax awareness, including introducing tax education in primary schools.
