The Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda, has called on accountants from public institutions to serve as ambassadors of voluntary tax compliance, citing their critical role in strengthening the country’s revenue systems.
Speaking on August 1, 2025, while officiating a seminar for government accountants on the latest amendments to tax laws for the 2025/26 financial year, Mr. Mwenda underscored the importance of their leadership in shaping responsible tax behaviour across the public sector.
“You are expected to lead by example in timely tax payment, to report instances of tax evasion, and to educate others on the importance of paying taxes,” said Mr. Mwenda at the Dar es Salaam event, which brought together accountants from a wide range of public institutions.
He noted that public sector accountants sit at the heart of financial governance and therefore play a strategic role in ensuring compliance, enhancing transparency, and helping the government mobilize resources for national development.
“Beyond fulfilling your obligations, you must also be teachers—guiding others to understand that paying taxes is a civic responsibility and a foundation for economic progress,” he stressed.
The Commissioner General further assured participants of TRA’s continued commitment to supporting them in discharging their duties effectively.
This includes listening to their concerns and working collaboratively to resolve challenges that may hinder efficient tax administration.
Mr. Mwenda added that TRA will continue to enhance service delivery and upgrade tax systems to simplify compliance processes.
“We are committed to making our systems more user-friendly and accessible so that taxpayers—especially in the public sector—can fulfill their responsibilities with greater ease,” he said.
The seminar forms part of TRA’s broader strategy to promote a tax culture that is rooted in knowledge, accountability, and partnership between government institutions and the revenue authority.
It aligns with Tanzania’s fiscal ambitions to boost domestic revenue mobilization in support of key development programmes under the National Development Vision 2050.