Mwinyi warns against use of force in tax collection
President Mwinyi addressing businessmen and tax officials on Thursday December 29.
Unguja. Zanzibar’s President, Hussein Mwinyi, has warned Zanzibar Revenue Board (ZRB) officials who resort to use of force to collect taxes from businessmen.
President Mwinyi made the statement on Thursday, December 29, 2022, while presiding over a taxpayer gala of the 2021-22 fiscal year which was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Zanzibar, an event that was accompanied by awarding of certificates to 41 businessmen.
"There are reports that some officials are using excessive force to collect taxes; I want them to stop immediately. Business people should pay the appropriate taxes, and they should demand receipts for the monies paid," he said.
He used the opportunity to congratulate the board, saying he was satisfied with the collections, unlike in the past.
"Let's not be critical all the time, for several months I clearly expressed my dissatisfaction with ZRB's conduct, but today I stand here to say that I am very satisfied with tax collection and the initiatives you are making," said Dr. Mwinyi
He said that for the period between July and November this year, the board collected Sh236.3 billion, equivalent to 99.1 percent, which is an increase of 67.9 percent compared to collections of Sh141 billion during the same period last year.
He said that the direction they are headed in as a nation is promising, and he is optimistic that they will achieve the goals set forth in the CCM manifesto to collect Sh1.5 trillion by 2025. He further congratulated the commissioner, Juma Yussuf Mwenda, for a good job since his appointment.
Mwenda was appointed ZRB Commissioner in March 2022, after President Mwinyi revoked the appointment of Salum Yussuf Ali.
Commissioner Mwenda said that several factors have contributed to their success, including the growth of the economy, the awareness of businessmen about paying taxes, and proper management.
"We have educated 442 taxpayers and reached 456 businesses, but more than that, we have assisted 580 poor households and provided medical equipment in Mnazi Mmoja and Abdallah Mzee Pemba Hospitals," he said.
