ZRA on wheels, distance not a barrier to tax compliance

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ZRA on wheels, distance not a barrier to tax compliance

IN a bid to increase compliance levels among tax payers, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has launched mobile offices.

The offices launched in collaboration with GIZ are aimed at cushioning the availability, and accessibllity of ZRA services throughout the country regardless of the location.

The offices which will be housed in a state of the art van will include high technology equipment including a satellite so as to allow the ZRA operation run smoothly without internet disturbances.

Prior to the launch, the authority only had physical presence in four 54 out of 116 districts.

Speaking at the launch in Lusaka yesterday, acting Ministry of Finance permanent secretary for budgets and economic affairs Mwaka Mukubesa welcomed the development stating Government has been funding ZRA to increase compliance levels and maximise on revenue collection.

Mukubesa said Tax collection is important to attain the country’s development objectives to fund important public services such as the health sector.

“However in order to for our tax system to be effective it is therefore important that the citizens and business community in general are well informed about their tax obligation so as to facilitate voluntary compliance levels,” Mukubesa said.

She said the launch of the mobile offices will serve as a platform for government to hear the concerns and feedback of citizens on tax policies so as to make sure tax systems are responsive to the needs of all.

She further called on for an increase tax sensitization as well as translating tax information into vernacular to accommodate those who can’t understand English.

ZRA commissioner general Dingani Banda said mobile offices are also aimed enhancing more satisfied and knowledgeable tax payers.

Banda said paying can sometimes be cumbersome and frustrating especially for those living in remote areas with limited access to tax administration services.

“The van will enable them (tax payer) to fulfill their tax obligation conveniently and efficiently without traveling long distances to reach tax offices,” said Banda.

German Ambassador to Zambia Anne Wagner Mitchell said there was a low presence of ZRA offices throughout the country which posed a challenge for tax payer service provision and contributed to lower levels of tax literacy and compliance.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba