By The Respondent Reporter
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA) aimed at further improving services for taxpayers.
Speaking on July 25, 2025, during the signing ceremony, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda said the primary goal of the agreement is to enhance information sharing between the two institutions in order to strengthen the tax collection system.
“It’s not that our cooperation never existed — it has always been there and continues to be. That’s why today we’re formalizing it in writing so that our systems can integrate. This will allow TRA to make accurate tax assessments and reduce disputes between the authority and taxpayers,” Mwenda explained.
He added that the NBAA will support joint efforts to educate and empower tax professionals, accountants, auditors, accounting students, and other stakeholders to perform their duties effectively and ethically, thereby eliminating suspicion or accusations directed at them.
Mwenda emphasized that the collaboration aligns with the vision of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, in ensuring that public institutions work together in harmony.
On his part, NBAA Executive Director Pius Maneno noted that NBAA has recently launched a new system called NBAAVN, which will facilitate access to accurate accounting information for various stakeholders and help combat the issue of unqualified or "ghost" accountants. Through this system, all financial records will be issued unique identification numbers.
“This agreement won’t just last for the five years stated—it marks an ongoing commitment to improving taxpayer services, reducing complaints, and ensuring that the country collects the rightful taxes to support sustainable development,” said Maneno.
This is the second agreement signed by NBAA in 2025, following another MoU signed with the Zanzibar Institute of Accountants, Auditors, and Tax Advisors (ZIAAT) on May 16, aimed at strengthening the accounting and tax advisory profession across both parts of the Union.