ZRA, Public Protector sign agreement to combat tax evasion, promote compliance

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has signed an agreement with the Office of the Public Protector Zambia (OPPZ) to tackle all forms of tax evasion and promote tax compliance.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Lusaka on Tuesday.

ZRA Commissioner-General, Dingani Banda, stated that the agreement aimed to enhance transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

Banda emphasized the strategic importance of partnering with OPPZ, the leading agency in combating maladministration in the public sector.

“As ZRA, we are committed to serving our taxpayers and the general public with diligence and excellence. We see this partnership with OPPZ as an important platform for addressing taxpayer complaints and grievances, thereby contributing to promoting voluntary tax compliance through all-inclusive and efficient service delivery,” said Banda.

Banda highlighted that the MoU aligns with the second strategic pillar of the 2022-2024 corporate strategic plan, which aims to maintain a satisfied and knowledgeable taxpayer population.

He noted that ZRA has mechanisms in place, such as a suggestion box managed by the ZRA integrity committee, to gather and address taxpayer comments and complaints.

OPPZ Public Protector Caroline Sokoni stated that the MoU signifies the institution’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with other stakeholders in the fight against maladministration in state institutions.

Sokoni stated the importance of implementing the MoU to ensure that a culture of integrity prevails in public service entities.

“Implementation of this MoU is the most crucial part of the whole process as it will ensure that we jointly raise a standard for a culture of integrity to prevail in our institutions and impart other public service entities as well,” said Sokoni.

“It would not serve any purpose to sign a document and fail to implement it. There is, therefore, a sense of urgency for us to expedite the implementation of the activities envisioned and planned in the MoU,” he added.

The agreement between ZRA and OPPZ is expected to play a pivotal role in preventing and curbing tax evasion while enhancing public confidence in the integrity of state institutions.

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