Traders complain over faulty EFDs

MARIAM JUMA in Babati

BUSINESSPERSONS in Babati District have lodged complaints to Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) over Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) saying are inefficient and wrongly compute taxes.

The traders have urged TRA to see to it that agents who have been entrusted with the task of selling the devices are examining them properly prior to be licensed to conduct business.

One of the traders who is in business clubs under NMB Bank, Mr Isack Mushi, said the traders have been facing a lot of challenges including being supplied with devices that break down often.

He said repair charges for the devices were huge and a result they subject them to losses. Mr Mushi was speaking at a meeting that brought together traders, TRA tax officials and land officers to cultivate good working environment and sort out challenges.

Mr Mushi said it was unfair for TRA officials to invade their premises and close down their business once traders are found not using EFDs without even enquiring the reason behind.

“We have all along been using the EFDs, but there are challenges as they are not efficient and TRA officials never listen to us,” Mr Mushi, who thrice experienced device breakdown, said.

“They (TRA) just close down business without first seeking the reason for not using the devices. The businessman also complained of the way taxmen compute taxes the way they want, even if a trader closes shop due to sickness or other reasons.

TRA’s Tax Officer inCharge in Manyara, Josephat Mnanka, said that traders should report broken down EFDs to TRA within 48 hours. “In most cases, traders do not report damaged devices or when business is closed for any reason,” Mr Mnanka said during the meeting.

NMB Central Zone Manager, Mr Straton Chilongola, said they are working closely with businesspersons on various challenges in a bid to have a win-win situation.