• K204 million was raised through government agents and K34 million through private appointed agents.
• ZRA through the Debt Recovery Unit appointed all government spending units as third-party agents to garnish payments of suppliers.
• All appointed agents should ensure they use e-payment platforms.
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has disclosed that it has collected K238 million through the Debt Recovery Unit (DRU), from March to August 2023.
Authority Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala revealed in a statement that of the K238 million, K204 million was raised through government agents and K34 million through private appointed agents.
Mr. Nzala said this follows the issuance of Circular Number 7 of 2023 by Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, effective 13th March, 2023, on the need for all government suppliers to be compliant.
“Zambia Revenue Authority through the Debt Recovery Unit (DRU), appointed all government spending units, ministries and parastatals as third-party agents to garnish payments of suppliers who are non-compliant with payment and declaration of correct taxes.”
“The Authority is happy to announce a collection of K238 million through this initiative, from March 2023 to August 2023. K204 million was garnished through GRZ agents while K34 million through private appointed agents,” Mr. Nzala revealed.
He however observed the lack of standard payment methods used by appointed agents resulting in some delays in moving of collected revenue and receipting to taxpayers’ accounts.
“The Authority therefore calls upon all appointed agents to ensure they use e-payment platforms by way of generating Payment Registration Numbers (PRNs).”
“Appointed agents are reminded to only use email addresses as advised to them when sending clearance lists which should be in the prescribed formats to avoid clearance delays,” he said.
Mr. Nzala further said all government suppliers and business houses are required to be tax compliant and reminded appointed agents to ensure that all withheld revenues are remitted to the Authority.
