The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Ms Eva Raphael, has begun a working tour of Kagera Region aimed at strengthening revenue collection efforts, improving taxpayer services and assessing the implementation of key tax administration programmes.
The visit comes as TRA intensifies efforts to enhance voluntary tax compliance and expand the country's domestic revenue base to support Tanzania's development agenda.
Ms Raphael was received by Bukoba Municipal District Commissioner Erasto Sima and TRA Kagera Regional Manager CPA Joseph Mtalemwa, alongside regional leaders and staff members of the authority.
During her visit, the deputy commissioner toured TRA's regional offices and received a briefing on Kagera's performance in revenue collection, taxpayer education campaigns and ongoing initiatives designed to improve service delivery.
She also reviewed preparations for TRA's 30th anniversary celebrations and discussed strategies aimed at increasing tax awareness among citizens and businesses.
Regional officials highlighted ongoing measures to strengthen taxpayer engagement, simplify access to tax services and encourage greater compliance through education and stakeholder collaboration.
The discussions also focused on preparations for the President's Award for Best Taxpayer and Innovative Idea, a programme intended to recognise exemplary taxpayers while encouraging creativity and innovation among TRA employees in improving institutional performance.
Speaking during the visit, Ms Raphael commended TRA Kagera for its efforts in serving taxpayers and urged staff to maintain strong partnerships with the business community and other stakeholders.
She noted that improving taxpayer understanding of tax obligations remains critical in increasing compliance and sustaining government revenue needed to finance public services and development projects.
"The authority must continue delivering efficient and customer-centred services while strengthening engagement with taxpayers. Building trust and awareness is essential in promoting a culture of voluntary tax compliance," she said.
For his part, CPA Mtalemwa expressed gratitude for the visit, saying it would further motivate staff and strengthen ongoing efforts to meet the authority's targets.
He reaffirmed TRA Kagera's commitment to professionalism, innovation and accountability in the execution of its mandate.
The regional office said the Deputy Commissioner's visit had boosted staff morale and provided an opportunity to evaluate progress and identify areas for further improvement as the authority seeks to enhance operational efficiency and revenue performance.
TRA has been implementing various reforms across the country to modernise tax administration, improve taxpayer convenience and increase domestic revenue mobilisation as the government seeks to reduce reliance on external financing and support sustainable economic growth.
