Unguja. A section of traders in Zanzibar have complained over the decision by the Zanzibar Revenue Board (ZRB) to charge taxes by estimates instead of using the Virtual Fiscal Management System.
According to the businessmen some are turned away by the taxman over claims that the amount they want to pay is less yet the calculations are based on sales records using machines.
However, in a quick rejoinder ZRB’s acting Taxpayer Education manager Makame Mohammed Hamis said they are empowered by the law to conduct audits at any time they deem necessary.
According to him what usually leads to estimated tax for some traders if there is suspicion over the payments that are to be made, especially when they are below the level compared to the previous payments.
“The inspection that takes place is usually done in accordance with the law so that the Board is satisfied with the information of the taxpayer and the business that takes place,” he said.
However, the businessmen claim that the taxman wants them to pay more than what is reflected in the sales report through the Electronic fiscal devices.
“We went there to make payments but ZRB officials refused to receive the payments saying the amount was too low yet this is what was recorded in the fiscal devices,” said Ali Said, a businessman in Mlandege.
On his part, the businessman Juma Mohammed said that tax estimation is against the government’s goals of establishing a revenue collection system using electronic machines and according to him the procedure was introduced to close the gaps that allowed tax evasion.
“If that was the case then there was no reason to sell us these machines at a cost of Sh400,000 as tax collection continues to take place in the old ways, but it also has serious consequences for the development of the business sector.” said Juma.
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
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