The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) says it has identified strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing customer experience and promoting a culture of tax compliance.
Speaking during the launch of the TaxOnApp, a mobile application that will help taxpayers meet tax obligations on the phone, Authority Commissioner for Indirect Taxes Moses Shuko stated that the initiatives are in line with ZRA’s strategic plan for the year 2019 to 2021.
And Mr. Shuko said the TaxOnApp, is another home grown solution which was developed by Zambians, adding that the application will enable tax payers to access various services such as tax payer registration and verification, filing of returns and payment of tax.
He explained that the mobile application is aimed at making tax transactions and compliance easy, as well as reducing the cost of compliance by removing intermediaries.
Mr. Shuko further stated that the application also allows tax payers to file new returns for Income tax, Value Added Tax, Pay as You Earn, Excise tax and Withholding tax on rent.
“After the success of our biggest innovation and reform project, under the name tax online, the home grown solution developed to meet local demands and expectations of our stakeholders, I am again proud to be here because the Zambia Revenue Authority is launching a mobile phone application called TaxOnApp.”
“This is another home grown solution which was developed by Zambians particularly Zambia Revenue Authority officers and a Zambian consulting firm for some of the customs functions. The application enables tax payers to access various services among them tax payer registration and verification, filing of returns and payment of tax,” Mr. Shuko said.
He expressed gratitude to GIZ Zambia for the technical and financial support to ZRA for so many years, as they were very instrumental in coming up with the initiative under the Good Financial Governance program.
Mr. Shuko said it is the Authority’s resolve through GIZ and Government’s support, that TaxOnApp will extend the tax base by embracing informal sector players.
“I am aware that GIZ has supported these initiatives through the domestic revenue mobilization fund. The domestic revenue mobilization fund is co-financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, and implemented by GIZ,” he stated.
And GIZ Zambia Program Coordinator Marc Schumacher said the project has the potential to broaden the tax base as it will be rolled out in rural areas where there is availability of internet services.