The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has announced that Value Added Tax (VAT) returns and payments must now be submitted on or before the 20th day of the following month, even if the date falls on a weekend or public holiday.
Changes are on automatic extension. Previously, if the due date falls on weekends or any other public holiday, then the due date is extended to the following working day. But this year, there will be no automatic extensions. the 20th day will be the due date regardless of whether it falls on the weekend or public holiday as all returns now are being submitted online any day any time
TRA Manager, CPA Paul Walalaze, said the change follows amendments to the VAT Act made under the 2025 Finance Act. “There will no longer be an extension to the next working day in such cases,” he noted.
Speaking on August 15, 2025, during the Breakfast Boat programme on VOS Radio in Rukwa Region, Mr Walalaze explained that improvements in technology and the tax system now allow businesses to file VAT returns at any time including weekends and public holidays without visiting TRA offices.
He said the new measure will enable the government to collect VAT revenue earlier, enhancing budget execution and service delivery.