The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has urged taxpayers in the country to continue paying taxes voluntarily and to refrain from tax evasion practices that undermine market competitiveness. 

Speaking during the Taxpayer Awards ceremony on January 23 in Dar es Salaam, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan stated that the presentation of these awards encourages voluntary tax compliance and called on those who evade taxes to cease such actions immediately, as they weaken the nation's economy and demoralize honest taxpayers by creating an uneven competitive landscape. 

President Samia has also instructed the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), which organized the awards, to persist in their efforts against tax evaders by targeting individuals who forge Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) and Value Added Tax (VFD) receipts, as well as those using counterfeit stamps on beverages. 

"Fraud is not a commendable act; therefore, those evading taxes should recognize that they are committing fraud. Similarly, TRA officials who make inaccurate assessments are also engaging in fraudulent activities; we must put an end to this," stated Dr. Samia. 

Dr. Samia emphasized that the government's direction is to increase the number of taxpayers rather than relying solely on the few currently contributing. This goal will be achieved by formalizing the informal sector to ensure it operates legally and pays taxes in full.

President Samia has stated that the CCM Election Manifesto calls for the nation to reduce dependency, which can be achieved through effective tax collection management, thereby enabling Tanzania to gain self-reliance. 

President Samia has indicated that the Government Budget amounts to 49.34 trillion shillings, of which 30.4 trillion shillings, representing 61.6 percent, is derived from tax collections by the TRA. This demonstrates the progress towards self-sufficiency, thus urging increased efforts in tax collection. 

President Samia announced that in the upcoming fiscal year 2025/2026, there will be no TRA Taxpayer Awards; instead, there will be Presidential Awards to emphasize the importance of tax compliance. 

"In matters of taxation, there is no room for jest. No one should assume they have directives from above to evade tax payments. I want to clarify that I have not authorized anyone to avoid paying taxes, as I am the final authority. Should I permit anyone, I will issue instructions in writing," stated President Samia. 

Regarding tax-related cases, she has urged the Appeals Board to expedite the hearing of these cases to ensure that everyone receives their due justice. President Samia has encouraged TRA employees to work with integrity, maintain discipline, and exhibit good conduct in their duties to build trust among taxpayers.

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, presented an award to the Chief Executive Officer of NMB Bank, Ms. Ruth Zaipuna, following the bank's recognition as the overall winner in the category of voluntary tax contributors and for its significant tax contributions for the fiscal year 2023/24 across various economic sectors. This event took place during the award ceremony for outstanding taxpayers for the fiscal year 2023/24, held on January 23, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, received a framed photograph as a gift from the Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the Board of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Mr. Uledi Abbas Mussa, and the TRA Commissioner General, Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda. This presentation took place during the award ceremony for the top taxpayers for the fiscal year 2023/24, held on January 23, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.