Arusha. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has directed the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to intensify oversight of both local and foreign businesses to ensure greater tax compliance and improved revenue collection.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, while inaugurating the TRA leadership working session at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), Mr Majaliwa underscored the need for TRA to enhance its efficiency in enforcing tax laws across the business sector.
“You must investigate those who come to conduct business in Tanzania. If they are repatriating our revenues by evading taxes, we must tighten controls—just as our people are regulated when doing business abroad. Anyone who decides to operate in Tanzania must understand that we have our own laws, including tax obligations,” the Prime Minister said.
He lauded TRA’s historic performance in revenue collection, having exceeded its target by collecting Sh32.26 trillion in the 2024/25 financial year—103.9 percent of the Sh31.05 trillion goal.
“This is a remarkable and commendable achievement. It reflects the dedication, professionalism, and determination of the entire TRA team and leadership in meeting their targets,” he noted.
The Prime Minister also instructed the Ministry of Finance to continue reviewing and improving tax policies, laws, and systems to expand the revenue base without undermining economic productivity.
“For TRA, the innovation you have shown has resulted in significant collections. Keep enhancing these innovative, professional, and friendly methods of tax collection, while adhering to the principles of good governance, legal compliance, and human dignity,” he added.
The minister for Finance, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, emphasising that public awareness remains key.
“Many believe development funds are kept at the Bank of Tanzania. We must continue educating Tanzanians that all visible development comes from our own taxes. Even loaned funds are still our responsibility, as they will be repaid through our taxes,” he said.
TRA Commissioner General, Yusuph Mwenda, revealed that in the financial year ending June 30, 2025, the Authority refunded more than Sh1.2 trillion to taxpayers—the highest amount since TRA’s establishment.
“This refund was aimed at supporting business continuity. In the current fiscal year, we are targeting gross revenue collections of Sh36 trillion. We believe that with continued cooperation from taxpayers, we can achieve this ambitious target,” he said.
