The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has set out an ambitious plan to ensure full implementation of the 2026/2027 national budget through improved tax collection strategies, enhanced compliance, and wider use of digital systems to boost efficiency and transparency.
Speaking in Dodoma on June 26, 2026, the TRA Taxpayer Education Manager, Paul Walalaze, said the institution is fully prepared to support the government in achieving its revenue targets, which are central to financing development projects and improving public services across the country.
He noted that the total national budget for the 2026/2027 financial year stands at Sh62.33 trillion, with TRA tasked to collect Sh36.99 trillion.
These funds are expected to play a key role in supporting government priorities, including infrastructure development, social services, and economic transformation.
Walalaze explained that TRA has strengthened its voluntary tax compliance strategy by expanding taxpayer education programmes.
The programmes are being delivered through mass media, social media platforms, and direct community outreach to ensure that citizens and businesses understand the importance of paying taxes and how public funds are used.
He said increased awareness has been a key driver in improving compliance levels, as taxpayers are more willing to contribute when they clearly understand the link between taxes and development outcomes.
According to him, education remains one of the strongest tools in building a sustainable tax culture.
The authority has also intensified the use of electronic payment systems and digital monitoring tools to seal revenue leakages and improve accountability in tax collection.
Digital platforms now allow payments to be processed directly into government systems, reducing manual handling and limiting opportunities for misuse or loss of funds.
Walalaze further highlighted that strengthening customs operations remains a major priority. TRA is working to improve efficiency at ports and border posts to ensure that all taxable goods are properly assessed and taxed in accordance with the law.
This, he said, will help the government secure its rightful revenue from international trade activities.
In addition, TRA is expanding its taxpayer base by registering more businesses, particularly within the informal sector, which continues to play a significant role in the economy.
The goal is to bring more economic activities into the formal tax system in order to broaden the revenue base and ensure fairness in taxation.
The authority is also enhancing collaboration with business communities to reduce misunderstandings and improve compliance.
Regular engagement meetings and continuous sensitization are being used to ensure that taxpayers are kept informed about changes in tax laws and procedures.
Walalaze noted that the institution is marking 30 years since its establishment in 1996, during which it has recorded significant progress in revenue collection and service delivery.
He said TRA is proud of the growing tax compliance culture among citizens, which reflects increased trust and understanding between the authority and taxpayers.
He also emphasized that government revenue is increasingly being used effectively to finance development, with domestic revenue expected to fund about 74.2 percent of the 2026/2027 budget. This marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards financial self-reliance.
The authority’s efforts are guided by reforms that promote dialogue and voluntary compliance rather than coercion.
This approach aligns with the leadership directives of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has consistently emphasized the importance of fairness, dialogue, and professionalism in tax administration.
TRA, officially known as the Tanzania Revenue Authority, says it will continue strengthening systems, expanding education, and improving service delivery to ensure that the country meets its development financing needs in a sustainable and transparent manner.
