MRA registers 10 000 EFD users

Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) says it has registered over 10 000 taxpayers who have acquired and are now using the electronic fiscal devices (EFDs).

MRA commissioner general Tom Gray Malata said this on Friday during the launch of EFD Lisiti Langa campaign in Lilongwe.

He said the public tax collector continues to enforce both acquisition and usage of the machines, adding they are employing a number of strategies to ensure compliance.

Malata said MRA is currently undertaking full implementation of EFDs project to enhance value added tax (VAT) compliance through acquisition, installation and use of EFDs by VAT-registered taxpayers.

He, however, pointed out that although they have managed to register substantial gains over the past one year since its inception, MRA has a long way to make VAT the most efficient tax in Malawi, noting that there are still a number of people who are not adhering to the law.

Malata took advantage of the event to caution those who are trying to beat the system through non-compliance warning that the law will take its full course on them.

He said MRA will continue to enforce surveillance, observation, consumers interceptions and mock buying in all tax avenues to monitor compliance.

Deputy Minister of Defence Aggrey Massi, who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for Lilongwe City West, asked MRA to pounce on every person and business operator who ignore usage of EFDs.

“Those who are involved in fraudulent fiscal receipts with reduced amounts on the receipt as compared to the actual price paid by the customer should face the law,” he said.

In his remarks, Lilongwe City mayor Willie Chapondera emphasised the need for consumers to understand that VAT is already charged on goods purchased.

“The power of consumers in demanding receipts cannot be overemphasised. No one should cheat consumers that goods will be cheaper because they have opted not to take a receipt.

“The truth of the matter is that the trader will pocket the VAT that you have paid if you do not demand a receipt,” he said.