Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) Commissioner General and other senior officials have launched a two-day taxpayer outreach program focused on unresolved tax-related issues. This Open Day is taking place across all RRA branches nationwide.

The objective is to address taxpayers’ issues that have remained unresolved and to gather their feedback to enhance service delivery and help them in meeting their tax obligations.

On Thursday, March 21,2024, RRA Commissioner General Bizimana Ruganintwali Pascal was present at the Gasabo office in Gisimenti, Kigali City.

Batamuliza Hajara, Commissioner for Domestic Taxes at RRA, stated that this Open Day was previously held as part of taxpayers' appreciation month, but due to popular demand, it is now held quarterly.

This provided an opportunity to discuss issues requiring attention by senior officials and to inform citizens about their tax obligations.

Batamuliza noted that most inquiries received pertained to taxpayers' deregistrations, emphasizing the need for research to understand why some individuals register for businesses only to deregister shortly after.

Other inquiries involved taxpayers requesting waiver for penalties imposed due to non-compliance, often resulting from ignorance, such as failure to declare taxes.

"We urge them to understand their responsibilities as taxpayers. We have recently deregistered many tax accounts associated with different Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) that were opened but not utilized for any activity," she said.

"But there are also cases where businesses have operated for years with outstanding tax arrears. We urge them to fulfill their responsibilities, declare their taxes, and settle their dues on time, as the law mandates penalties and interest for late payments," she added.

If you have a heavy tax liability, you may be allowed to pay it in installments, she said.

Taxpayers who attended the RRA's Open Day expressed satisfaction that senior officials addressed their concerns without requiring them to visit RRA headquarters.

Thérèse Uwimana, a businessperson in Gasabo District, recounted how her accountant's failure to pay taxes on time resulted in accumulating penalties. 

"We heard the announcement that some commissioners would come to the nearest branches, so I went to meet them to explain the matter. The commissioner helped me; she explained the reasons behind the penalties, and she was right. She showed me the process for having the penalties and fines waived, allowing me to pay only the principal amount,” she said.

“This enables me to continue working, furthering my development, and contributing to the development of my country. I was pleased with the proposed solution," she added.

Mbituyimana Jean de Dieu from Kicukiro District shared an experience where an agent incorrectly filed his property's value, leading to an inflated tax bill. While he had to pay a tax of 18,000 Frw he found himself having to pay more than 10 million Frw. 

He appreciated that on this Open Day, the problem was immediately resolved.

"The fact that they are coming close to us is very good; we feel proud to have good leadership that is accessible and attentive to our needs. So, we truly appreciate this. We also appreciate His Excellency the President of the Republic because he serves as a role model, enlightening all Rwandans to properly fulfill their assigned tasks," he continued.

Taxpayers are reminded of the 2023 income tax

Commissioner Batamuliza also encouraged taxpayers to voluntarily disclose and pay the due tax that they have not paid before being notified of an imminent audit. Those who do so will be granted benefits, including waiver of interests and penalties for late payment. 

She also requested that those concerned with declaring and paying income tax for the year 2023 do so before the deadline of March 31, 2024. At the very latest, individuals should have declared and paid their income tax by March 30 to avoid complications with the system at the last minute, which could put them under pressure.

"So we are requesting taxpayers to declare their taxes before the end of this week, preferably before March 25, so that everyone has already submitted their declaration and can proceed with payment," Commissioner Batamuliza continued.

"Because as you know, even in making payments, when taxpayers encounter difficulties with the banking systems, they often resort to visiting bank branches, but these branches have their closing hours. While we may be able to assist them even into the night, banks cannot guarantee late-night availability to help them," she added.

RRA reminds taxpayers that in determining taxable income, deductibles must be supported by EBM invoices, Customs declarations (DMC), and other withheld taxes.