TRA Commissioner General Yusuph
Mwenda. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania
Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda, has pledged
cooperation with private sector leaders to enhance customer service, address
officials tarnishing TRA's image, expand the tax base, and ensure sustainable
taxation.
He
emphasized that his appointment will maintain continuity with previous
initiatives while introducing new improvements. Appointed by President Samia
Suluhu Hassan on July 1, 2024, replacing Alphayo Kidata, Mwenda previously
served as Commissioner General of the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA).
Today,
Thursday, July 18, 2024, Mwenda convened his first meeting with his office team
and private sector leaders, organized by the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation
(TPSF) in Dar es Salaam.
This
meeting follows recent strikes in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam, and other regions
including Dodoma, Kigoma, Mbeya, Mwanza, Iringa, and Morogoro, partly fueled by
tax issues and TRA enforcement activities.
Mwenda
highlighted plans to strengthen cooperation and improve customer service,
stating, "As the head of this institution, I will enhance collaboration
between TRA and all business stakeholders under their associations."
He emphasized improving service delivery to
reduce complaints and affirmed, "I aim for quarterly feedback sessions to
review our progress in enhancing business operations within the country."
Regarding
disciplinary measures, Mwenda assured that TRA will address staff tarnishing
its reputation, asserting, "We will provide continuous training to ensure
professionalism among our skilled workforce." He also pledged to enforce
tax laws rigorously when necessary for revenue decisions.
Mwenda
addressed concerns about expanding the taxpayer base, promising to collaborate
with the private sector on solutions, stating, "Together, we will explore
ways to increase taxpayers to alleviate the current tax burden." He
cautioned against tax evasion and counterfeit goods, urging compliance with
regulations.
Mwenda
emphasized the need for a collaborative approach with businesses to streamline
economic activities, stating, "Effective tax management is not just about
collection but also overseeing economic operations." He expressed
readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance to propose improvements
to the tax system.
In Tanzania,
the management of revenue collection and expenditure plays a pivotal role in
the country's fiscal governance, as evidenced by reports from the Controller
and Auditor General. These reports serve as critical assessments of financial
efficiency and transparency across government sectors.
Effective revenue collection not only funds
essential services like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social
welfare but also drives economic development initiatives aimed at poverty
reduction and overall prosperity.
However,
challenges persist, including issues related to tax compliance, the efficiency
of revenue collection processes, and the responsible allocation of public
funds. Balancing revenue generation with prudent expenditure is crucial for
sustainable economic growth and stability.
The recent
traders' strike in areas such as Kariakoo, Dodoma, Kigoma, and Mwanza
underscores the significance of fair tax policies and effective
enforcement. Grievances over perceived
high tax burdens and enforcement practices have disrupted business activities,
highlighting the need for dialogue and policy adjustments.
Addressing these concerns is vital to creating
a supportive business environment and ensuring equitable tax practices that
benefit both government revenue objectives and private sector development.