New TRA commissioner meets business people

Dar es Salaam. Businesspeople in the country met today, Thursday, July 18, 2024, with the new Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General, Mr. Yusuph Mwenda, to discuss tax issues and strategies to widen the tax base.

The meeting, organised by the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), marks the first time the Commissioner General has engaged with such a group since his recent appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“We are ready to pay taxes because we understand their benefits. However, issues with tax administration often lead some individuals to evade taxes. Therefore, TRA needs to address this area in detail,” said TPSF Chairperson Ms. Angelina Ngalula during the meeting.

She emphasised the importance of developing a five-year strategic plan to expand tax collection efforts, rather than waiting until a few months before the budget to create a task force.

The approach, she said, often results in the same areas being targeted for tax increases each year.

In his remarks, the newly appointed TRA Commissioner General Mr. Mwenda stated, “Today is my first meeting with traders since being appointed. I am here to listen and identify where we can solve challenges together. Our goal is to facilitate easier business operations in the country.”

He promised that TRA would strengthen cooperation with businesspeople and hold meetings every three months to gather feedback on ongoing challenges.