The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has commended the timely compliance by taxpayers which has contributed to the beating of the revenue target for two consecutive months.
 
MRA’s Deputy Director Corporate Affairs, Steven Kapoloma, said in the just ended months of July, the Authority has collected K62.472 billion.
 
“This is above the projected K59.590 billion by K2.882 billion. The K62.472 billion collection represents a year-on-year growth of 20 percent as K52.138 billion was collected during the same period last year,” he said.
 
The positive collection comes back-to-back with June when MRA collected K56.1 billion, up from the projected K54.3 billion.
 
“We thank taxpayers who voluntarily come forward to pay their taxes on time for their compliance. This has been witnessed in the improved collection for the two consecutive months. The tax base is widening and we are optimistic that this progress will continue,” Kapoloma said.
 
He urged those who are still reluctant to pay tax to change their approach. “It is our intention to work with anybody for the continued growth and development of our beloved country, Malawi. However, the public should be reminded that wherever necessary, MRA will not relent but work according to the laws to ensure all due taxes are paid on time”. 
 
Kapoloma further informed all compliant taxpayers and the public that MRA is undertaking several modernisation and revenue enhancement activities to provide modern and efficient services aimed at reducing the cost of tax compliance while at the same time maximising revenue collection.
 
He said MRA is making significant progress in the automation of services with the migration to ASYCUDA World system now at an advanced stage. The system offers speed and convenience as it allows for goods clearance electronically from anywhere in the world.
 
On the other hand, consumers are beginning to take an active role in demanding fiscal receipts generated by the Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFD) following recent successful launch of the “Lisiti Langa” EFD Awareness Campaign in Limbe, Blantyre.
 
Importers and exporters are also getting speedy and efficient cargo clearance at inland examination centres thereby reducing congestion at the borders.
 
“In order to provide taxpayer convenience and increase MRA footprints, we will soon be opening offices in Nchalo, Ntcheu, Limbe, Bwalo la njobvu in Lilongwe, Nkhotakota, and some Post Offices.
 
“All these efforts are designed to assist taxpayers meet their tax obligation with ease. The Authority would like therefore to appeal to all compliant taxpayers to continue remitting their taxes in the 2016/17 fiscal year to enable the Malawi Government achieve its goals, more especially now when there is limited external donor support,” Kapoloma said.
 
The tax revenues collected are used in the running of public services and infrastructure development in the country. Remuneration for teachers, doctors, nurses, security personnel and officers in public service are paid using taxes. On the other hand, crucial items such as drugs and even construction of roads, bridges and school blocks, among others are procured using tax revenues.

BY HENRY MCHAZIME