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Zambia Revenue Authority has hosted a tax symposium in Lusaka as it enhances ways of encouraging tax compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Other objectives of the symposium held under the theme: “Empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Zambia’s Tax Landscape,” was to create tax awareness among SMEs, educate participants on all tax obligations and provide information on how to file returns and making payments using digital platforms.
Mirriam Sabi, ZRA Director Innovation and Project Management, said on Tuesday that the symposium was also designed to make it easier for SMEs to comply by providing them with knowledge needed so that they contribute 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,” Sabi said at the symposium.
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Speaking earlier, USAID Revenue for Growth Project Chief of Party, Edward Koos, committed to continue supporting efforts that would enhance tax compliance.
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.
Lusaka District Business Association (LDBA) Chairperson, Ngande Manajiti, stressed the importance of paying taxes, saying no country had developed without them.
Mwanajiti, therefore, called for the need to look at payments of taxes holistically.
He also emphasised the need to formalise businesses as a way of broadening the tax base.
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