BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has pledged to strengthen fair and professional tax administration as it reviews its performance for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The annual performance review meeting, which was held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) last week, brought together TRA officials to assess achievements, challenges and strategies for improving tax collection and taxpayer services.
TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Juma Mwenda said the authority would continue promoting voluntary tax compliance by building trust with taxpayers and ensuring that taxes are administered in a fair and professional manner.
Mr Mwenda said the meeting would also focus on how TRA will implement directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the authority’s 30th anniversary and the President’s Taxpayer Awards held on July 1.
He said TRA would continue respecting taxpayers while taking lawful action against those who deliberately evade tax.
“TRA will continue to respect all taxpayers,” he said, adding that those who avoid paying tax would be handled according to the law, but with professionalism and respect.
Mr Mwenda also cautioned against unfair tax practices (dhulma), saying the authority would not allow what he described as “oppressive tax”.
He also said taxpayers should not cheat the country by evading tax while TRA should also avoid burdening taxpayers through incorrect assessments.
According to him, improving voluntary compliance requires public confidence in the tax system. He said that confidence can be strengthened through fair administration, responsible use of tax revenue and better services that make it easier for businesses and individuals to comply.
Mr Mwenda said cooperation between TRA and taxpayers had contributed to strong revenue growth over the past three decades.
He said annual tax collections had increased from about Sh 21 trillion to Sh 37.96 trillion, representing growth of more than 77 per cent.
The performance review would help the authority set priorities for the new financial year, including widening the tax base, improving taxpayer education, strengthening digital systems and enhancing service delivery.
A tax payer, who requested anonymity, said that TRA has made tremendous progress in recent years in reducing complaints and challenges that previously affected businesspeople in Arusha.
He said improved engagement between the authority and the business community had helped address several concerns raised by traders, contributing to better cooperation between taxpayers and TRA.
