MRA rolls out taxpayer charter, to boost tax compliance

Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) says it wants to stimulate voluntary tax compliance and public confidence in the tax system to widen the tax net and promote a fair tax system.

MRA board chairperson Vizenge Kumwenda said this on Monday in Blantyre during the launch of a taxpayer charter, a document which spells out how taxpayers will be served through multiple channels within the tax system.

He said MRA has adopted a service-oriented attitude towards taxpayers by ensuring that they have the information and support they need to meet their tax obligations.

Kumwenda, who is also Nico Holdings plc managing director, said: “We want to make it easier for taxpayers to comply and facilitate the private sector to reduce the cost of doing business.

“One good practice adopted by MRA to improve voluntary tax compliance is the development of this public performance tool which will cultivate and strengthen the confidence that taxpayers have in the tax administration system.”

The charter comprises 11 taxpayer rights, including the right to impartial treatment, right to accurate and complete information and the right to quality taxpayer service.

It also covers nine taxpayers’ obligations, which among others, include taxpayers to register, keep records, file tax returns on time, pay on time and declare their tax affairs truthfully.

Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry board member Arnold Mbwana said the charter goes a long way in equipping taxpayers with information and building trust in the system.

He said that poor service delivery affects survival of business, adding that the expected improved standards from MRA would help boost businesses.

“We are happy with the launch of the charter because in any service delivery, especially in public service delivery, there is an expectation in terms of quality service,” said Mbwana, who is also TNM plc chief executive officer.