The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Tanga Region has exceeded its tax collection target for the six-month period from July 24 to December 24, 2024, collecting 178.36bn/-, or 109% percent of its goal of 162.94bn/-.

This remarkable achievement represents an increase of 82.85bn/- (87 percent) compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.

In 2023, TRA had set a collection target of 108.68bn/- for July-December but managed to collect 95.51bn/-, achieving 88 percent of the goal.

Announcing the results during a taxpayer education seminar at Korogwe Town Council Hall, TRA Tanga Manager Thomas Masese attributed the success to improved tax compliance and enhanced taxpayer awareness initiatives.

"Our target for the 2024/2025 fiscal year was 162.94bn/-, but we successfully collected 178.36bn/-, surpassing expectations with 109 percent achievement," Masese stated. "Compared to last year’s collections, where we met only 88 percent of the target, this marks significant progress."

Masese credited the increase to TRA’s proactive approach in educating taxpayers across Tanga’s eight districts, focusing on voluntary compliance while addressing business challenges.

“This initiative, in collaboration with the Tanga Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (TCCIA) and the Tanga Business Community (JWT), seeks to educate taxpayers on the importance of timely and accurate tax payments,” he explained.

So far, TRA’s outreach has covered Mkinga, Muheza, Mkata (Handeni), Kilindi, and Korogwe, with plans to extend the program to all districts in the region.

Masese reminded businesses to file tax returns on time, as the assessment period runs from January 1 to March 31. He urged entrepreneurs to visit TRA offices for electronic fiscal devices (EFDs) to ensure proper sales recording and compliance.

“Businesses with outstanding tax debts should make timely payments,” he advised. “For those with large arrears, we encourage negotiating a structured payment plan with TRA.”

During the seminar, business owners raised concerns regarding tax enforcement.

Anna Munuo, a small retailer from Makuyuni Village, suggested that TRA should conduct business site visits to ensure fair tax assessments.

Meanwhile, Anna Mzoo, a retailer from Mlimafundi Street in Korogwe, highlighted the challenge of unregistered businesses operating without paying taxes or obtaining licenses, urging TRA to take action.

TRA plans to expand taxpayer education efforts, ensuring more businesses register and comply with tax laws. The authority remains committed to enhancing service delivery and boosting revenue collection to support national development goals.