KAGERA: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Kagera Region has urged taxpayers to adopt the newly introduced Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS) to enhance transparency, efficiency and convenience in tax administration.
Kagera TRA Regional Manager, Mr Joseph Mutalemwa made the call during one of the ongoing taxpayer education seminars on the new system held in Bukoba Municipality.
Mr Mutalemwa explained that the introduction of IDRAS does not change existing tax laws or regulations but is aimed at simplifying and improving tax administration processes.
“The new system has not been established to change laws or regulations related to tax matters. Its main objective is to streamline tax-related services and enable taxpayers to pay government revenue more transparently and with greater confidence,” he said.
He noted that IDRAS connects various institutions with taxpayers, allowing them to communicate directly with TRA officials online without physically visiting TRA offices.
“Through IDRAS, taxpayers can submit complaints, seek clarification and access other tax-related assistance online. The system also allows applications for extension of time to pay taxes electronically, unlike in the past when such requests had to be submitted through formal letters,” he said.
According to Mr Mutalemwa, the digital platform is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise public service delivery through technology, reduce bureaucracy and improve accountability in revenue collection.
He emphasised that while the system modernises service delivery, all existing tax laws, regulations and procedures remain unchanged, assuring taxpayers that compliance requirements are the same.
The regional manager encouraged business owners, traders and individual taxpayers to attend the education seminars being conducted across the region to familiarise themselves with the new platform.
He said TRA will continue to provide guidance and technical support to ensure a smooth transition to the new system and improve voluntary tax compliance.
The introduction of IDRAS is expected to reduce paperwork, shorten processing times and minimise physical congestion at tax offices, while enhancing transparency in interactions between taxpayers and revenue officials.