MRA optimistic on K1.3 trillion target
Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is confident it will raise the K1.3 trillion revenue target despite industry captains and businesses whining that business has slowed down in the 2019/20 financial year.
This came out during the International Customs day celebrations in Blantyre recently.
The celebrations were held under the theme; customs fostering sustainability for people, prosperity and the planet.
Speaking during the event, MRA Board Chairperson, Rex Harawa, challenged the Authority’s management to ensure that there is widespread awareness of its electronic platforms, to every player, in all sectors of the economy.
He said doing so would increase collection of domestic revenues, and improved taxpayer services.
“Remember you have a national responsibility to collect K1.3 trillion in taxes this financial year. I urge all MRA officers to discharge your duties diligently according to the law and with total Integrity,” Harawa said.
MRA Head of Corporate Affairs, Steve Kapoloma said it is the Authority’s responsibility to reach the target and has since put in place strategies to succeed.
“Meeting this target means growth and sustainability to the livelihood of the citizens so as MRA we are not looking at meeting the target as such we are looking at the impact this revenue will have on the ordinary citizens.
“We are enhancing our physical inspection, we are also making sure that we deal with issues of smuggling, we are intensifying our audits and tax investigations to ensure that those that are evading tax, both trade and domestic, are brought to justice. Through these initiatives, we will meet the target,” Kapoloma said.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, Kapoloma said Malawi is doing well in customs operations with modern technologies such as cargo scanners and the flexible anti-smuggling teams operating in the country’s entry points.
Recent figures from the Reserve bank of Malawi (RBM) monetary policy public report, covering the first quarter of the financial year, showed that total revenue in the period amounted to K296.20 billion.
