Zambia’s revenue authority launches nationwide cost of tax compliance survey

He clarified that the survey was not a tax audit, investigation or enforcement exercise. Taxpayers selected to participate have, therefore, been encouraged to provide open and accurate information on their experiences and the challenges they face in complying with their tax obligations.

ZRA Commissioner General, Dingani Banda, said the survey reflected the authority’s determination to listen to taxpayers and continuously improve the tax system.

“Effective tax administration is not only about collecting revenue. It is also about understanding what taxpayers go through in meeting their obligations and finding practical ways of making compliance simpler, less costly and more convenient,” Banda said.

He added that ZRA wanted a tax system that supported voluntary compliance, encourages business growth and strengthens confidence between taxpayers and the Authority.

Banda said that reducing the cost of compliance was particularly important for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which might have limited financial and administrative capacity to navigate complex tax processes.

“ZRA will use the results of the survey to support reforms in areas such as digital tax services, taxpayer education, filing and payment processes, administrative procedures, service delivery and compliance support,” he said.

The Commissioner General further assured taxpayers that officers conducting the survey would identify themselves appropriately and will only collect information relevant to the exercise.

Banda also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to verify the identity of any person claiming to represent ZRA where they were uncertain. He emphasized that no taxpayer should make any payment to an officer for participating in the survey.

“ZRA values the cooperation of taxpayers participating in this important national exercise,” Banda said.

He assured that the Authority remained committed to balancing effective domestic revenue mobilisation with fairness, convenience, transparency and reduced compliance costs.

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