The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has stepped up efforts to improve tax compliance by educating traders in Tanga on changes to tax laws introduced for the 2026/27 financial year.
The training, held on August 12, 2026, at the YDCP Hall in Tanga City, focused on helping traders understand their tax obligations, available incentives and penalties for non-compliance.
Opening the session, TRA Tanga Regional Manager CPA Castro John said more than 15 tax laws had been amended, making taxpayer education critical to ensuring that businesses understand the new requirements.
“I thank Tanga traders for turning up to receive this important information. When traders understand these changes, tax compliance becomes easier,” he said.
The training brought together TRA officials from headquarters and local traders, with officials explaining changes affecting income tax, VAT, excise duty and tax administration.
TRA Taxpayer Education and Communications Officer Hamisi Sanze said some of the changes were aimed at creating a more supportive environment for the mining sector and increasing its contribution to the national economy.
He said the Income Tax Act, Cap. 332, provides income tax exemptions for holders of mining licences or special mining licences in accordance with the law.
Under the VAT Act, Cap. 148, certain goods and services imported or purchased by holders of mining or special mining licences may also qualify for VAT exemption.
Sanze said the relief covers eligible goods and services used in the construction of mining projects, but the exemption ends once mineral production begins.
He also explained changes affecting non-resident telecommunications service providers.
Under the Excise (Management) Act, Cap. 147, such providers are required to register with TRA, obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), charge and remit applicable excise duty and file the required returns.
Senior Tax Officer Salim Bakari reminded traders that anyone liable to pay tax from employment, business or investment is required to apply for a TIN within 15 days of starting the relevant activity, as provided under the Tax Administration Act, Cap. 438.
He also explained that the law gives the Commissioner General of TRA powers to dispose of perishable goods seized by the authority through auction or direct sale.
Bakari warned traders against entering false or inaccurate information in accounting books, registers or electronic systems.
He said Section 95 provides for a penalty equivalent to twice the amount of tax evaded or understated where a person is found responsible for such violations.
He reminded traders that the government has provided a one-year tax exemption for eligible businesses starting operations with capital of not more than TZS 200 million, subject to the conditions set by law.
He further urged traders to embrace electronic payments for transactions involving school fees, tourism services, levies, goods, services, vehicles, farms and plots.
The move, he said, would help improve efficiency and transparency in revenue collection while making payments easier to track.
Closing the training, TRA Tanga Assistant Manager for Audit and Enforcement Daniel Ramadhani urged traders and other taxpayers to meet their tax obligations honestly.
He said tax revenue remains an important source of financing for public services and development projects, including education, healthcare, water, roads and electricity.
“Taxes enable the government to provide essential services to citizens. Traders should therefore play their part by complying with tax laws,” Ramadhani said.
He also encouraged taxpayers to raise challenges they face in complying with tax requirements, saying TRA officials were available to provide guidance and address genuine concerns.
The taxpayer education campaign comes as TRA takes on a major role in financing the government's 2026/27 budget.
The authority has been assigned a revenue collection target of TZS 41.80 trillion, equivalent to about 67 percent of the government's TZS 62.33 trillion budget.
The 2026/27 financial year is also the first budget year in the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050, increasing the importance of effective domestic revenue mobilisation to finance public services and national development priorities.
