By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
IN an effort to enhance tax compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has held a tax symposium in Lusaka which is also expected to create tax awareness.
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Other objectives of the symposium held under the theme: “Empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Zambia’s Tax Landscape,” are to educate participants on all tax obligations and provide information on how to file returns and making payments using digital platforms.
ZRA Director Innovation and Project Management, Mirriam Sabi, said the symposium was also meant to making it easier for SMEs to comply by providing them with knowledge needed so that they contributed to domestic tax revenue.
“SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth and so they fuel progress and prosperity in our nation.
“We gather here today to educate them fully on what they are required to do with regards to tax compliance and we shall touch on all tax compliance matters especially on obligations. The goal is clear, we want to empower SMEs with tax knowledge so that they can comply with tax matters with ease,” Ms Sabi said yesterday at the symposium.
Speaking earlier, USAID Revenue for Growth Project Chief of Part Edward Koos, committed to continue supporting efforts that would enhance tax compliance.
Mr Koos announced that there were a number of tax grants available meant to raise awareness on tax related matters.
He believed that open dialogue was critical to the creation of an enabling environment that all businesses, including MSMEs would be tax compliant.
“To support private public dialogue and tax awareness, USAID has a number of activities. We are planning to support the upcoming budget symposium. We have also been providing media trainings with ZRA on tax issues where we enhance the ability of media to understand and report on tax issues,” he said.
And Lusaka District Business Association Chairperson Ngande Manajiti, stressed the importance of paying taxes, saying no country had developed without them.
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