Over
two fiscal years, revenues grew from TZS 22.2 trillion in 2021/22 to TZS 27.6
trillion in 2023/24. Additionally, TRA set a record by collecting TZS 16.528
trillion in the first half of the 2024/25 fiscal year (July to December 2024).
Speaking
during the opening of a five-day performance review meeting held at the Arusha
International Conference Center (AICC), Dr. Nchemba emphasized the
transformative impact of these revenues.
He
highlighted how the funds have bolstered the government's ability to execute
strategic projects aimed at enhancing public services, including the Julius
Nyerere Hydropower Project, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), road
infrastructure, and other key development initiatives.
The
minister urged TRA to intensify the use of modern electronic revenue collection
systems to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability while
minimizing unnecessary face-to-face interactions between tax officials and
taxpayers, which often breed corruption.
In
a progressive move, Dr. Nchemba reiterated his stance against shutting down
businesses for unpaid taxes. Instead, he called for mechanisms to nurture such
businesses while ensuring tax compliance.
He
noted that closing businesses disrupts the economy, derails growth, and
exacerbates unemployment and poverty.
Dr.
Nchemba also appealed to business owners to fulfill their tax obligations and
fully utilize electronic fiscal devices (EFDs) to issue proper receipts that
reflect the value of transactions. At the same time, he urged consumers to demand
valid receipts to strengthen accountability.
TRA
Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda reaffirmed the agency's commitment to
meeting the government’s ambitious revenue target of TZS 30.449 trillion for
the 2024/25 fiscal year.
He
expressed confidence, citing the remarkable TZS 16.528 trillion collected by
December 2024—a 78.78% increase compared to TZS 9.242 trillion collected during
the same period in the 2020/21 fiscal year.
Mwenda
attributed this success to TRA's initiatives, including fostering voluntary tax
compliance, addressing taxpayers' concerns, and enhancing collaboration with
business associations.
He
credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her directive to improve the
business environment and tax compliance landscape, which has cultivated mutual
trust between TRA and taxpayers.
He
encouraged TRA staff to maintain professionalism, diligence, and integrity in
their duties while assuring that the government would continue providing the
resources and tools necessary to support their work.
This
performance, anchored by reforms and collaborative efforts, signals a
transformative era for Tanzania’s tax administration, setting the stage for
sustained economic growth and development.
