The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) stakeholder engagement at Otjiwarongo on Wednesday was described by many of the attendees as informative.
NamRA Commissioner, Sam Shivute together with other executive officials presented to the businesspeople here, government employees and local politicians on the purposes of paying tax to the State, and also on the aims and objectives of the directorates of Customs and Excise.
Shivute stated that the organisation has a mandate to collect revenue for the State largely from the import and export duty fees charged on the goods and commodities crossing the designated border points.
Shivute further explained that NamRA also collects revenue through Value Added Tax (VAT), taxing salaried employees and companies on the income they generate through their activities.
“Therefore, NamRA would like to encourage everyone to contribute to the State revenue and to honestly pay their taxes,” he stressed.
Shivute expressed disappointment with the low morale within the public on voluntary tax payment, saying many of the taxpayers often declare losses.
He said some companies have contributed less than some government employees, claiming that they operate on losses.
Shivute emphasised that paying tax is an opportunity for individuals to contribute to the growth of the economy.
He said money paid as taxes normally recycles, as it is often used to improve welfare of citizens, infrastructure and sustain essential services rendered at State hospitals and security services by the government.
Several participants during the question and answer session thanked NamRa for the engagement, saying it was informative.
Otjozondjupa Chief Regional Officer, Agatha Mweti urged NamRA to conduct more such sessions, saying only a few people have a clear understanding on the importance of paying taxes.
Jeneath Kuhanga, a local farmer, requested NamRA in the future to provide in-depth information on the operations of the company.
Otjozondjupa Governor, James Uerikua on his part thanked NamRA for hosting the session, stating that the information was crucial to taxpayers as they continue to pay their taxes on which nearly everything in the country depends.
Approximately 100 participants attended.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
