The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) collected a record TZS 37.957 trillion in taxes during the 2025/26 financial year, surpassing its revenue target as the agency marked its 30th anniversary.
Speaking during the anniversary celebrations and the presentation of the Presidential Awards for Outstanding Taxpayers on July 1 in Dar es Salaam, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda said the authority achieved 105.24 percent of its annual target of TZS 36.066 trillion.
The latest collection represents a 17.6 percent increase compared with the previous financial year, highlighting continued growth in domestic revenue mobilisation.
Mr Mwenda attributed the strong performance to reforms championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose administration has prioritised closer collaboration between TRA and taxpayers, strengthened tax administration systems and promoted voluntary tax compliance.
He said the government's approach has enabled the authority to increase tax revenue without raising tax rates, while shifting the focus from enforcement to partnership with taxpayers.
"The guidance we have received from President Samia has centred on building trust with taxpayers, strengthening tax systems, collecting revenue without the use of force and increasing tax collections without raising tax rates," Mr Mwenda said.
He also praised taxpayers for their continued support, saying voluntary compliance has been a key driver of the authority's success over the past three decades.
"As TRA marks 30 years since its establishment, we recognise and deeply appreciate the contribution of taxpayers who have continued to meet their tax obligations voluntarily," he said.
The record tax collection comes as the government steps up efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation to finance infrastructure, healthcare, education and other national development priorities while reducing reliance on external financing.
The 30th anniversary celebrations also featured the presentation of the Presidential Awards for Outstanding Taxpayers, recognising individuals and businesses that have demonstrated exemplary tax compliance and made significant contributions to Tanzania's economic growth.
