Mkono urges Tanzanians to pay taxes

ANNE ROBI

Mr Nimrodi Mkono

MUSOMA Rural legislator Mr Nimrodi Mkono has stressed the need for Tanzanians to pay taxes as required by the law to avoid unnecessary inconveniences that may occur due to non-compliance.Mr Mkono made the call in Dar es Salaam recently when responding to questions raised by journalists over government’s move to seize property of his Mkono and Company Advocates over 1.1b/- tax arrears.

Through Yono Auction Mart and Company Limited, Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) seized the property to recover unpaid tax arrears on July 1, forcing the offices (Mkono and Company Advocates) to be on hold till July 7, this year.
Without detailing over the move, Mr Mkono insisted on the need for Tanzanian tax payers, especially the large tax payers to ensure they pay the taxes to TRA on time and as required for the country’s better future. Concerning the Mkono and Company Advocates matter, Mr Mkono agreed TRA have seized his property, saying the matter was later solved.
“We (Mkono and Company Advocates) had a discussion with TRA officials over the matter,” he said without giving more details, but instead referred journalists to the revenue authority to seek more details.
He, however insisted that all was well, reiterating the need for tax payers to ensure they develop good relationship with the authority to avoid disorder once they fail to settle down their taxes as required.
“If we seek a discussion with the authority, they will always pay attention to you even if you have failed … they don’t close up your businesses just because they want to do so …. even the Bible says render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar,” he said.
On the other hand, Mr Mkono highly commended the government’s move to give back the seized property (Mkono and Company advocate property) after the talks.