The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Tanga Region is recording significant gains in taxpayer education and service delivery after calling on women entrepreneurs to use their influence in the community as ambassadors for voluntary tax payment.
The call was made by TRA Tanga Regional Manager Castro John while opening the Women and Tax Forum. The forum was organized to build the capacity of women entrepreneurs on tax matters and encourage their full participation in the formal economy.
Speaking at the event, John said the platform serves as a vital link between women entrepreneurs and TRA by providing accurate tax education, assisting them to register with tax systems, and enabling them to fulfill their obligations voluntarily and on time.
“Women entrepreneurs have a major role in growing the country’s economy. When they stand firm in promoting voluntary tax payment, they become a direct part of national development,” John said.
He added that TRA will continue improving its services and creating a taxpayer-friendly environment. He also urged traders to avoid operating in the informal sector through illegal channels commonly known as ‘njia za panya’, noting that such practices deprive the government of crucial revenue needed for public development.
John further encouraged citizens to always demand receipts when purchasing goods or services to enhance transparency and accountability in government revenue collection. He stressed that TRA’s offices remain open for services and advice to all traders.
On his part, Deputy Secretary General of the Tanzania Traders Association Ismail Masudi urged the public to abandon tax evasion. He explained that as the number of registered taxpayers grows, it becomes easier to identify those who evade and thereby strengthen revenue collection.
Acting Manager for Taxpayer Education at TRA, Charles Mkumbwa, said the forum is a deliberate strategy to reach women entrepreneurs and build their understanding of their role in advancing the national economy through tax payment.
Charles Mtali, Community Development Officer from the Tanga Regional Secretariat, said women are a key pillar of economic development. He noted that equipping them with tax education will further boost their contribution to national progress.
The Women and Tax Forum continues to drive change by building awareness, encouraging voluntary tax compliance, and strengthening cooperation between TRA and women entrepreneurs. The initiative reflects clear progress in the journey toward building an inclusive and sustainable economy in Tanzania.
