By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia:
Expectations are high for improved handling of tax revenue appeals as the newly established Revenue Appeals Tribunal takes oath.
The tribunal, created under an Act of Parliament in 2021, is set to hear appeals under the Customs and Excise Tax Act, Tax Administration Act and Value Added Tax Act, among other tax laws.
During the swearing-in ceremony for chairperson, deputy chairperson, registrar of the tribunal, and judicial research officers in Blantyre, Secretary to the Treasury Betchani Tchereni emphasised the tribunal’s critical role in enhancing revenue collection by efficiently addressing tax grievances.
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“Where people are unhappy with certain tax or revenue decisions, you need somebody to come in, somebody more independent who can now look at the facts properly and then be able to provide a proper determination,” Tchereni said.
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Tchereni further said the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) cannot be both the collector and the judge in tax matters, hence, the setting up of the tribunal.
He said the tribunal’s objective is to ensure that tax disputes are resolved quickly and efficiently, thereby boosting revenue collection.
“This is part of creating a conducive environment for investors to have the confidence that this country is serious about seeing investment going up,” Tchereni said.
Chairperson for the Tribunal Joster Chimwazani Chisale affirmed the tribunal’s impartiality and fairness in its undertakings.
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“We understand the expectations placed upon us as the first tribunal. Our duties include hearing appeals against objection decisions made by the Commissioner General of MRA. Taxpayers aggrieved by these decisions can lodge their appeals with us, and we will make impartial determinations,” Chisale said.
Economics Association of Malawi President Bertha Chikadza rated the establishment of the tribunal as a significant milestone for Malawi’s tax system.
“This is the first time Malawi has a revenue appeals tribunal, which is crucial for an evolving tax system focused on improving revenue collection. It will actually remove all these backlogs or any other money that tends to be locked up in maybe judicial cases that come with tax,” Chikadza said.
Meanwhile Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda challenged the tribunal to display high levels of integrity, transparency and efficiency in the execution of its duties.
“I expect accountability, transparency and responsiveness on the part of the tribunal. I urge them to join the fight against corruption and make sure that the revenue that is collected is channeled towards intended purposes,” Mzikamanda said.
The tribunal which currently is situated in Blantyre, is expected to be officially launched very soon and will open registries in other regions of the country as mandated by the Act.
