DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda has called on taxpayers across the country to maintain the spirit of voluntary tax payment in the coming year, stressing that sustained compliance is vital for accelerating national development and improving public welfare.
He commended taxpayers for their voluntary compliance in 2025, noting that it had enabled the government to implement a wide range of development projects that directly benefit citizens.
Mr Mwenda made the remarks recently during a special taxpayer appreciation event that featured community outreach activities at two centres in Dar es Salaam; the Mtoni Deaconess Lutheran Centre (MDLC) and the Hisan Orphanage Centre (HOC).
He said revenue collected through taxes has been instrumental in financing strategic development initiatives, including the construction of roads, schools and health centres, as well as the provision of education services and implementation of social programmes aimed at improving the lives of various groups in society.
“These achievements clearly demonstrate that voluntary tax compliance plays a vital role in strengthening the national economy and enhancing the delivery of essential services to the people,” he said.
Mr Mwenda urged taxpayers to continue fulfilling their tax obligations voluntarily in the year ahead, emphasising that higher compliance would further enhance the government’s capacity to implement more development projects and improve the overall welfare of citizens.
“As we heard from the centre’s manager, this centre operates through a partnership between the church and the government. The government provides food and pays teachers’ salaries, and these resources come directly from taxes paid by taxpayers,” he said.
“When we encourage voluntary tax payment, we mean that the taxes collected are returned to the community,” he added.
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He noted that the support provided to the two centres was a tangible proof that taxes are not only used to build infrastructure such as roads and schools, but also to support communities by paying teachers’ salaries and providing food for vulnerable children.
“Let this serve as a lesson to everyone; the more people pay taxes voluntarily, the greater the government’s ability to support groups with special needs,” he said.
Mr Mwenda also said December is officially observed as Taxpayer Appreciation Month, during which TRA recognises the contribution of taxpayers to national development through voluntary compliance.
“Our appreciation goes beyond words; it is demonstrated through action. One way of showing gratitude is by giving back to the community. That is why we are starting here, on behalf of all taxpayers across the country,” he said.
He added that the support provided was a small token of appreciation for the trust and commitment shown by taxpayers.
Mr Mwenda further assured taxpayers that TRA will continue working diligently to mobilise revenue for national development, calling on all citizens to act as ambassadors for voluntary tax compliance.
“We urge teachers here and everyone else to promote voluntary tax payment. TRA will continue to work harder to ensure the government receives sufficient revenue to fulfil its responsibilities, including supporting children in challenging circumstances such as those at these centres,” he said.