Tree farmers in Pemba Village, Mvomero District, who are planting indigenous trees to restore the Nguu Mountains damaged by human activities and preparing to enter the charcoal business, have begun taking important steps to register as taxpayers after understanding its benefits.
The process started with villagers obtaining national identification cards (NIDA), a prerequisite for registering for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
This registration will allow them to formally contribute to taxes, supporting both local development and the nation’s progress.
Journalists, including the correspondent for this story, visited the village, over 150 kilometers from Morogoro town, to meet residents who welcomed the initiative and highlighted the benefits it would bring.
“In the past, I thought paying taxes was only for government employees, big business owners, and city dwellers. Now I understand that even an ordinary tree farmer like me can contribute. I see how important taxes are for our own development,” said Flora Ramadhan, a Pemba Village resident.
Other villagers, including Aloyce Joseph and Victoria Charles, expressed confidence that the taxes they pay will be reinvested in their community, addressing local challenges such as road construction, healthcare, schools, and other social services.
“Before, many things passed us by. We didn’t even have NIDA. This is a good start for us to be recognized as taxpayers,” added Michael Joseph, another local resident.
Richard Paul, coordinator of the Pams Foundation project, which supports villagers in planting indigenous trees along the Nguu Mountains by providing free seedlings and training, said they have successfully registered over 350 of the 1,000 farmers with NIDA.
“This step ensures farmers can formalize their status in the tax system through TIN. The response from the community has been very positive,” Paul said.
Chacha Boaz Gotora, Assistant Manager at the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Morogoro Region, responsible for taxpayer services, noted that the taxes paid by these farmers will support local development projects.
“This area, especially with charcoal production, is a new source of tax revenue for Morogoro Region. I commend organizations like Pams for encouraging citizens to pay taxes. Registering for TIN officially recognizes taxpayers and allows them to see the impact of their contributions,” Gotora said.
He added that the awareness campaign in Pemba, particularly for tree farmers, will bring education and registration services closer to the community. Once residents have NIDA, registering for a TIN online is simple and accessible.