Tanzanian president disappointed over sluggish tax collection

DAR ES SALAAM, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Monday expressed his disappointment over what he termed as sluggish tax collection by the east African nation's tax collector.

At the same time, Magufuli said he was upset by the rising number of court cases in which taxpayers complained about unfair tax rates imposed on them and directed tax authorities to resolve the problem.

A statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communication at state House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam said the president could not understand why the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) was collecting tax from about 2,700,000 people while the country's population stood at about 55 million.

President Magufuli made the remarks shortly after he had sworn in the deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Adolf Hyasinth Ndunguru, and TRA deputy commissioner general, Msafiri Mbibo.

"As a result, TRA continued to squeeze the few available taxpayers instead of widen the tax base," said the president.

He urged TRA to widen the tax base and at the same time broaden new sources of revenue collection.

Magufuli also urged TRA to create a friendly environment where taxpayers would comply with payment of taxes without any hassles.

In their remarks, the new appointees promised to dismantle obstacles that prevented smooth collection of taxes, including sacking corrupt TRA officials.