By Richard Mrusha, Dodoma
The Tanzania Revenue
Authority (TRA) has called on traders in the agricultural and livestock sectors
to promptly submit relevant documents when importing tax-exempt facilities.
This appeal was made by Mr. Filipo Eliamini, TRA's Senior Tax Monitoring
Officer, during the ongoing 31st Tanzania Agricultural International Expo in
Dodoma.
Mr. Eliamini emphasized
that timely document submission would enable TRA to efficiently perform its
duties. He highlighted the government's recent decision to lift taxes on a
range of farming and fishing implements for the 2024/25 fiscal year, a move aimed
at supporting the growth of these crucial economic sectors.
“The government has
removed taxes on various farming inputs, including power tillers, tractors, and
fertilizers, as well as fishing equipment and cold storage facilities for the
livestock sector,” Eliamini stated. He also noted that tax exemptions now extend
to facilities for refining sunflower oil and processing honey.
He urged traders and
farmers to submit their importation documents as soon as they place orders,
rather than waiting for the goods to arrive in the country. This, he said,
would streamline the process and prevent delays.
Eliamini encouraged
stakeholders to visit the TRA pavilion at the expo to learn about tax-exempt
farming implements and other related issues. “By visiting our pavilion, farmers
can understand which implements are now tax-free and take advantage of this opportunity,”
he said.
In addition to promoting
tax exemptions, Eliamini reminded farmers and livestock keepers of their
obligation to pay statutory taxes. TRA is offering tax estimation services at
the expo to assist traders in meeting their tax responsibilities.
He also highlighted the
importance of using electronic fiscal devices (EFDs), noting that regulations
require all traders with an annual transaction volume of at least 11 million
Tanzanian Shillings to use these devices. “It is crucial for traders who do not
yet have EFDs to visit our pavilion to obtain them,” he urged.
TRA is also providing
trade identification number (TIN) issuance services at the expo. “All Tanzanian
citizens over 18 years old are required to have a TIN. This exhibition offers a
valuable opportunity for those without one to register,” Eliamini insisted.
The eight-day exhibition,
according to Eliamini, is not just about promoting services but also about
fostering good relations with customers, which he believes will enhance service
delivery.
The TRA’s participation
in the expo demonstrates its commitment to supporting the agricultural and
livestock sectors, ensuring traders can benefit from government incentives, and
promoting compliance with tax regulations.
