President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania issued a stern warning to businessmen who engage in tax evasion, emphasizing that their actions will not go unchecked.
She sent a warning in a recent address at an Eid al-Fitr event in Dar es Salaam.
Despite a significant increase in domestic tax collection over the past three years, President Samia expressed concern over certain members of the country’s business community resorting to illicit practices to avoid fulfilling their tax obligations.
President Samia, who assumed office in March 2021, deviated from her predecessor’s aggressive tax collection strategies in favour of a more business-friendly tax administration.
This shift in approach yielded a notable 33.3% surge in tax revenue, escalating from TZS 18 trillion in the fiscal year 2020/21 to TZS 24 trillion in 2022/23.
However, the President lamented that some affluent individuals and corporations were abusing the leniency of the new tax regime by evading their tax responsibilities.
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By shirking their financial obligations to the government, these entities are depriving the nation of crucial revenue that could otherwise be allocated towards essential public services and developmental initiatives.
President Samia attributed this alarming trend of tax evasion to a combination of greed, profit-seeking motives, and political considerations.
She underscored that such unethical practices not only undermine the government’s ability to implement vital projects but also hinder the provision of essential services to the citizens of Tanzania.
In her impassioned address, President Samia urged all Tanzanians to uphold the principles of legal compliance and civic responsibility by fulfilling their tax obligations.
By fostering a culture of transparency, integrity, and economic accountability, she emphasized the pivotal role that each citizen plays in contributing to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
As Tanzania strives to bolster its economic resilience and foster sustainable development, President Samia’s clarion call for tax compliance serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility shared by all stakeholders in safeguarding the country’s fiscal health and promoting a fair and equitable society.
It is imperative that individuals and businesses alike heed this call to action, demonstrating their commitment to upholding the rule of law and advancing the nation’s socioeconomic progress.
