Vendors geared to register for Presumptive Tax

Vendors plying their trade in Limbe and Blantyre have commended the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) for its effort in making sure that MSMEs have adequate information and knowledge on various taxes the Authority administers.

The sentiments were made by the President of Blantyre City Vendors Association, Elson Njazi, when MRA conducted a workshop with the vendors to drill them on Presumptive tax and other trade taxes on Tuesday, 30^th May 2023 at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre.

Njazi observed that for a very long period of time, many vendors have been angrily arguing with clients when deducted Withholding tax while others failed to get business contracts because they did not register for tax and were not eligible for Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) upon application.

 “I am, therefore, very grateful to MRA for holding this workshop. It has opened our eyes on tax matters and we assure you that we will register for Presumptive tax in large numbers,’’ said Njazi, adding that it was time for the local businesses to grab businesses from the Government.

Opening the workshop, Mc Hizzal Kawanga, Manager Taxpayer Education, emphasized the need for business people to register for tax and pay taxes when due so that the Government should generate more revenue for the provision of various economic and social service to the people of Malawi.

Hlupekile Mshali addressing the audience

He added MRA was introducing a number of products and service under its modernization drive to ease tax compliance and it was very important for the masses to take advantage of such initiatives to grow their businesses.

In her remarks, the Manager Block Management System (BMS), Hlupekile Mshali appealed to the audience to use her offices in Blantyre and Limbe and elsewhere when they need any service including registering for taxes.

Thokozani Chiwaya drilled the business people on how to register for tax, benefits of registering for tax, how Presumptive tax is operated and administered and processes and procedures that one should follow when importing or exporting goods to other countries.

Over one and fifteen vendors and other businesses, the majority being women, attended the half-day workshop.