Demos over tax stamps called off
Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) and human rights pressure group Malawi First have reached an agreement to postpone protests over tax stamps.
This follows a joint meeting convened in Lilongwe yesterday by the two parties and representatives of the small-scale business community to address challenges faced by the sector in implementation of tax stamps.
The direct dialogue between MRA, Malawi First representatives, and small-scale traders was brokered by Lilongwe district commissioner Lawford Palani after vendors had earlier expressed concerns about their fear of possible impact of tax stamps on their businesses.
During the meeting, several resolutions were made, including recognising smuggling as a significant problem impacting small businesses and public health through consumption of smuggled, hazardous and counterfeit products.
Small Scale Business Association president Willian Bello said they are glad that all small businesses under the simplified trade regime will only be allowed to affix tax stamps until MRA addresses all administrative concerns.
MRA head of corporate affairs Steven Kapoloma affirmed that tax stamps were a necessary measure to curb smuggling.
He said: “Tax stamps are not the enemy. The enemy is smuggling, which prevents government from collecting taxes and brings in substandard products that threaten the lives of our people.”
Based on the explanation, Malawi First representatives and small-scale businesses agreed to collaborate with MRA to solve the problem as the country loses billions of kwacha every year to smuggling
