On August 29, 2024, the Tanzania Association of Tax Consultants (TATC) hosted an impactful training seminar at Tiffany Diamond Hotel in Dar es Salaam. The event was graced by the Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda, as the Guest of Honor, along with prominent TRA officials, including Mr. Alfred Mregi, Commissioner for Domestic Revenue, and Mr. Richard Kayombo, Director of Education and Training at TRA.
In his keynote speech, Commissioner General Mwenda stressed the critical responsibility tax consultants bear as public officers, tasked with ensuring that taxes are rightfully charged and paid in full compliance with Tanzanian tax laws. He emphasized the pivotal role tax consultants play as the bridge between taxpayers and the TRA, urging them to operate with the highest ethical standards. "Tax consultants are public officers who must ensure that taxes are paid accurately and that they operate ethically," Mr. Mwenda remarked. He encouraged all tax consultants to foster voluntary tax compliance while maintaining fairness in tax practices.
Additionally, Mr. Mwenda made it clear that unethical behavior by some TRA officers would not be tolerated. He advised tax consultants to report any unlawful or unethical practices immediately to the TRA Ethics Committee. Furthermore, he warned that TRA would not hesitate to take action against tax consultants found colluding with taxpayers in tax evasion or avoidance schemes. "The TRA will not spare any tax consultants engaged in collusion with taxpayers to evade taxes," he stated firmly.
The event also saw Mr. Mregi and Mr. Kayombo reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the collaboration between TRA and tax consultants to improve the overall efficiency of tax collection, compliance, and reduce disputes. Mr. Mregi highlighted how increased professionalism within the tax consultancy sector could contribute significantly to enhanced revenue collection for national development. Mr. Kayombo echoed this, expressing optimism that TATC will play a pivotal role in building the capacity of tax consultants across the country.
Mr. Mwenda embraced the formation of TATC as a positive step towards enhancing the professionalism of tax consultants. He expressed TRA's support for initiatives that would improve collaboration between TATC and TRA, furthering efforts to streamline tax collection processes and improve compliance. He even suggested that TRA would consider ensuring tax consultants are vetted and registered with TATC before they are allowed to renew or receive their certificates of practice.
In a final remark, the Commissioner General invited TATC to compile any challenges or concerns faced by tax consultants and submit them to his office for further deliberation. This, he emphasized, would be a significant step toward resolving issues and improving the overall tax administration system in Tanzania.
TATC Chairperson CPA Victoria Soka addressed the Commissioner General, outlining the key roles of TATC in shaping the future of tax consultancy in Tanzania. She emphasized that TATC is committed to setting and maintaining high standards of professional conduct among its members. She also highlighted that TATC will serve as a platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between tax consultants and the TRA, which will result in more efficient and effective tax administration. Additionally, Soka stressed the association's role in educating tax consultants and taxpayers about the tax laws and regulations including latest updates to ensure compliance.
The event underscored the growing significance of TATC in the tax consultancy landscape, providing a platform for meaningful engagement between tax consultants and the TRA. Commissioner General Mwenda’s speech highlighted the strategic direction for tax consultants, emphasizing ethical practice, capacity building, and collaboration, all aimed at enhancing voluntary tax compliance and building a stronger economy.
This seminar marked a pivotal moment for TATC, showcasing its increasing role as a key player in shaping the future of tax consultancy in Tanzania.
