Dar es Salaam. The Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr Yusuph Juma Mwenda, has reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding taxpayer rights and strengthening engagement with the business community, underscoring the importance of open dialogue in building trust and improving compliance.
Speaking during a meeting with business representatives from the Temeke Tax Region, Mr Mwenda said the Authority remains firmly dedicated to ensuring that every taxpayer is heard, respected and provided with timely solutions to concerns related to taxation.
The meeting, held at TRA offices in Dar es Salaam on April 10, 2026, formed part of ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing communication and cooperation between the tax authority and key stakeholders.
Mr Mwenda observed that fostering a responsive and accessible tax administration is central to improving public confidence in the country’s tax system.
He noted that the Authority has continued to put in place mechanisms that allow taxpayers to freely express their views, raise questions and seek clarification on tax matters without facing unnecessary obstacles.
According to the Commissioner General, the Authority is working to cultivate a friendly, transparent and inclusive environment in which taxpayers feel confident to engage with officials and obtain reliable information.
Such an approach, he said, plays a vital role in enhancing public understanding of tax obligations, dispelling misconceptions and strengthening the relationship between the Authority and the taxpayers it serves.
He explained that constructive engagement remains a cornerstone of TRA’s broader strategy to improve voluntary tax compliance.
By encouraging dialogue and listening to stakeholder concerns, the Authority is able to identify operational challenges and respond more effectively to emerging issues affecting taxpayers across different sectors.
Mr Mwenda further noted that the Authority intends to sustain regular consultative meetings with a wide range of stakeholder groups, including business associations, traders and professional bodies.
These forums, he said, provide an opportunity for stakeholders to present their experiences, highlight areas requiring improvement and contribute to shaping policies that reflect practical realities on the ground.
He added that sustained interaction with taxpayers enables the Authority to better understand sector-specific concerns and design targeted interventions that promote compliance while reducing administrative burdens.
Such measures, he said, are expected to create a more predictable and supportive tax environment that encourages business growth and investment.
Reaffirming the Authority’s long-term direction, Mr Mwenda emphasised that TRA will continue to enhance service delivery by adopting efficient systems and strengthening institutional capacity.
He said ongoing reforms are focused on improving operational efficiency, reducing delays in service provision and ensuring that taxpayers receive accurate responses within reasonable timeframes.
He also highlighted the Authority’s commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, transparency and equity in all its operations.
Maintaining these standards, he said, is essential in ensuring that taxpayers are treated consistently and that the tax system operates in a manner that is both credible and accountable.
Mr Mwenda noted that improving taxpayer services and strengthening engagement are expected to contribute to increased revenue collection through voluntary compliance rather than enforcement alone.
A cooperative relationship between the Authority and taxpayers, he said, remains a key factor in sustaining stable and predictable revenue flows.
He further explained that enhanced compliance will play a crucial role in supporting government efforts to mobilise domestic resources needed to finance national priorities.
Reliable revenue collection, he said, provides the foundation for implementing development programmes aimed at improving infrastructure, public services and overall economic performance.
Business representatives who attended the meeting welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with TRA leadership, describing the forum as a constructive platform for exchanging views and clarifying concerns related to tax administration.
They expressed appreciation for the Authority’s willingness to listen to stakeholder feedback and consider practical solutions to operational challenges.
The engagement with Temeke-based businesses forms part of a broader nationwide effort by TRA to strengthen partnerships with taxpayers and improve awareness of tax obligations and procedures.
Through such engagements, the Authority aims to reinforce a culture of compliance built on mutual understanding and shared responsibility.
As the Authority continues to roll out reforms and expand stakeholder engagement initiatives, officials have expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and improved service delivery will contribute to a more resilient tax system capable of supporting Tanzania’s long-term economic growth and development agenda.
