Africa-Press – Tanzania. TAXPAYERS in Arusha region have commended the new Internal Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS) introduced by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA ) saying it has been very fruitful despite being operational for just a week.
That was revealed during the Tanzania Revenue Authority’s tour of the region to implement directives issued by the President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her campaign visit to Karatu District in Arusha Region, where she called on TRA to expand the scope of its service delivery.
Speaking during a visit to Karatu the TRA Commissioner General, Yusuph Juma Mwenda, said during the 2025 election campaigns, President Samia promised to broaden tax services within 100 days, and implementation steps have now begun.
Mwenda explained that in the initial phase of implementing the President’s directives, he has held discussions with various business operators, including those in the tourism sector, before deciding whether to establish a tax region or expand services. He also held talks with Karatu District Commissioner Dr Lameck Karanga.
He added that TRA will continue providing quality services to taxpayers nationwide, including those in Karatu District, while listening to and addressing their challenges.
“I want to assure all taxpayers that we will continue supporting your businesses and delivering better services, increasingly using digital systems including IDRAS,” Mwenda said.
He also noted that TRA will continue offering regular tax education to taxpayers.
For his part, Karatu District Commissioner Dr Karanga welcomed the Commissioner General’s visit, noting that the district has a strong economy largely driven by tourism activities. He said their cooperation with TRA on tax matters has enabled them to exceed revenue collection targets every month.
Representing business stakeholders, Arusha Regional Tour Operators Association (TATO) Chairperson Wilbard Chambulo praised TRA’s performance, saying it has brought services closer to citizens and increased tax collections in Karatu District.
He said Karatu business operators are ready to pay taxes voluntarily and commended the new Internal Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS), which has been operational for just a week but is already showing positive results through improved services.
Chambulo added that the IDRAS system will address many tax-related challenges, including saving taxpayers time previously spent traveling to TRA offices for services.
“Through this system, tax assessments will be fair since it is transparent and shows sales, purchases, and profits — taxpayers will get their benefits and TRA will get its taxes,” he said.
On tax evasion, Chambulo stressed that businesses failing to issue receipts have no place in the tourism sector, as they are increasingly excluded from procurement opportunities, forcing them to comply.
Another participant, Esther Dominic, said IDRAS will save time and simplify many processes, including online TIN applications and obtaining Tax Clearance certificates.
While in Karatu, Commissioner General Mwenda visited several taxpayers, including Gibbs Farm, where Finance Manager George Seostine thanked him for the visit and listening to stakeholders. He praised TRA for introducing IDRAS, saying it will help resolve many tax challenges.
Seostine pledged continued cooperation with TRA to enhance revenue collection and support national development projects.
