Taxpayers leave URA behind Shs2 trillion target in next six days

The situation was revealed by the URA Assistant Commissioner for Communication and Corporate Affairs, Ibrahim Bbosa.

Bbosa was meeting with leaders of the Kampala City Trader’s Associations (KACITA) when he said that the outstanding amount can still be realised. He said that the authority is doing whatever is possible to hit the target before the year ends.

“For the remaining days, we are looking for 2 trillion shillings, and we are confident that we can achieve it because many people have late file returns,” Bbosa explained.

Bbosa also pointed out the several tax administration measures the authority has put up to ensure that it's successful.

“We are now using a lot of technology, in tax administration, you can see. We are using intrusive scanners, drones, and many other technological solutions, and all these are aimed at making us more efficient in our operations as well as being equitable with our clients,” he added.

Bbosa also revealed that the authority is ready to maximise the tax penalty exemption that the government provided for the taxpayer with arrears.

The Minister for Finance Matia Kasaija said during the budget reading 2023 that the government had waived off all penalty fees and interests accumulated on tax arrears. However, if taxpayers are to benefit from the waiver, they have to pay their arrears by 31st December 2023.

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This is one of the avenues the tax body has scouted for more revenue collection and an improved relationship with the taxpayers.

Speaking on behalf of KACITA, Thaddeus Musoke, the Acting Chairperson, faulted URA for non-matching tax assessment reports that the business community has always complained about and the hostile enforcement mechanisms which include sealing off shops.

Issa Ssekito, the KACITA Spokesperson, said that traders should meet their tax obligations if they are to gain the mandate to demand their rights from the government.