Micro traders demand tax reductions

By PETER SICHALI
GOVERNMENT should reduce and defer some taxes because economic activities have slowed down in the wake of Covid-19, the Zambia Micro and Small Traders Foundation Cooperative (ZAMAST) has said
ZAMAST Muchinga province coordinator, Josephat Chitimbwa, said while completely waiving may not be possible, reducing taxes would offer a relief to citizens and businesses.
Mr Chitimbwa said most enterprises had no revenue to meet various obligations including taxes.
“Trading activities have been slow because national health is more important but we request on behalf of our members that ZRA relaxes monthly payments. We are unable to meet the obligations because businesses have been affected by Covid-19 ends, “he said.
Mr Chitimbwa said Government through Ministry of finance and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) should reduce some taxes so that businesses could continue operating.
He also appealed to the Bank of Zambia to expedite the release K10 billion to commercial banks and Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Commission so that businesses could start accessing the funds.
Mr Chitimbwa said the development would cushion the impact of the pandemic on enterprises.