Africa-Press – Tanzania. DAR ES SALAAM: Many Tanzanians who pay taxes are unaware that it contributes to the development of their country. To them, paying taxes is merely fulfilling the obligations of the Tanzania Revenue Authority, a perspective Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba deems problematic.
Addressing various government officials and stakeholders gathered at the 2024 Tax and Investment Forum held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Center (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Dr. Nchemba remarked that such a mindset has made it difficult for the government to collect taxes effectively, as many businesspeople avoid using electronic systems.
The Minister explained that traders often use the excuse of a “poor system” to avoid issuing electronic receipts.
Emphasizing the importance of tax payment for the country’s development, he stressed that citizens need to understand that taxes are meant for the overall development of the nation, not just for the benefit of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), as some may believe.
“There is a need to increase public participation since there are still challenges in terms of economic growth and promoting the collection of domestic revenue… Sometimes, providing a receipt is seen as a discount for customers. Our country’s income is about our own development, not just TRA,” Dr. Mwigulu stated.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the forum would also discuss the trends in the global economy and their effects on Tanzania’s economy.
The two-day event, which began on Tuesday morning in the country’s business city, has been attended by Vice President Dre Philip Mpango as the official guest of honor, along with other government officials and members of the business community.
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