Mozambique launches mobile tax collection stations

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Mozambique launches mobile tax collection stations

7:44 CAT | 24 Mar 2021

Photo: Social Media

As part of National Taxpayer Day, which take place every 22 March, Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosário this Monday visited the city of Beira for the official launch of the Mozambique Tax Authority’s Mobile Collection Points initiative, which aims to mobilise more revenues and encourage the fulfilment of tax obligations.

Mobile collection stations in markets, bus terminals and on public roads are a Tax Authority (AT) strategy aimed at reducing taxpayers’ travel costs, which can be a hurdle and a cause of non-compliance. The initiative provides greater convenience for taxpayers complying with their obligations.

“The entry into operation of mobile tax collection stations will bring relief to taxpayers required to travel long distances to register and pay taxes,” Carlos Agostinho do Rosário said.

The AT expects the initiative to reach around 240,000 taxpayers, the prime minister said, emphasising that it is through taxes that the government obtains the financial resources for the construction of public infrastructure.

The mobile stations are adapted vehicles which, in addition to collecting taxes, can also issue unique tax identification numbers (NUIT) and register activities for tax purposes.

Fifteen mobile collection stations started operations on Monday, and the AT is currently mobilising resources for the acquisition of another 150 similar vehicles, for allocation across all districts of the country.

According to AT president Amélia Muendane, it is expected that every district will by 2024 have a mobile tax collection station in operation.

“We intend this initiative to increase the efficiency in collecting revenue for the state, covering all potential taxpayers,” Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosário said.

The business sector has commented that the initiative will encourage all Mozambicans to reflect on the strategies of the tax base and the continuous improvement of the tax system.

Mozambique’s top five corporate taxpayers of 2020 were also awarded on the occasion, including the company Cervejas de Moçambique (CDM).

According to the AT, Mozambique has in the last five years lost tax revenues equivalent to around 10% of gross domestic product – which stood at around €13 billion at the end of 2019.

Source: O País / Lusa