RRA Showcases achievements and addresses resolved challenges to Taxpayers
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) expressed its gratitude to taxpayers in the Northern Province while presenting the achievements made in partnership with them, along with upcoming plans.
The event took place in Musanze District, drawing a diverse audience of taxpayers from the five districts within the province. Themed “My EBM, My Contribution,” the gathering highlighted the positive impact of EBM (Electronic Billing Machines) on revenue collection.
During the event, officials showcased the tax revenue generated across Rwanda’s provinces and the City of Kigali. In total, the collection amounted to billions, distributed as follows:
City of Kigali collected RWF 41.0 billion, achieving 105.4% of its target of RWF 44.5 billion, marking an 11.6% increase.
Eastern Province collected RWF 12.8 billion, surpassing its target of RWF 12.9 billion by 100.7%, showing a growth of 4.1%.
Southern Province collected RWF 11.5 billion against a target of RWF 11.9 billion, achieving 96.7% but showing a slight decrease of 1.0%.
Western Province collected RWF 14.8 billion, meeting 94.4% of its RWF 14.0 billion target, with a decrease of 4.3%.
Northern Province collected RWF 6.7 billion, achieving 91.6% of its RWF 7.3 billion target, representing a decline of 12.1%.
Across all provinces, RWF 89.7 billion was collected, exceeding the national target of RWF 88.0 billion by 101.9%, reflecting an overall growth of 3.7% for the fiscal year.
In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, RRA implemented significant reforms, including policy adjustments and ministerial regulations aimed at simplifying tax compliance. Notable advancements in technology included electronic suspension of TINs (Tax Identification Numbers), the introduction of a streamlined system for handling official correspondence, simplified requirements for overdue tax payments, and measures to deactivate dormant TINs while eliminating penalties through a tech-driven system.
Donatha Mukanyarwaya, the Private Sector Federation (PSF) representative for Northern Province, commended taxpayers for their role in national development, while also urging those evading taxes to recognize their impact on fair competition.
She stated: “We applaud taxpayers for their vital contribution to national growth, but we also caution those who evade taxes. By doing so, they undermine the market for fellow business people by selling at lower prices. This is why we call on every businessperson to act as a watchdog for one another, so that everyone adheres to the same standards.”
RRA’s Commissioner General, Ronald Niwenshuti, emphasized that this appreciation event provided an excellent opportunity to share the benefits of tax contributions with Rwandans and to engage with taxpayers on areas for enhancing collaboration with RRA and other sectors.
Maurice Mugabowagahunde, Governor of Northern Province, emphasized the importance of recognizing taxpayers, noting that their commitment encourages fulfillment of duties and appreciation of what tax revenue has achieved. He further urged consumers to always request EBM receipts, as this habit contributes to broader economic benefits.
He also encouraged stakeholders in the province to avoid smuggling and any other activities that might undermine the nation’s economic stability.
The event featured awards for the top-performing taxpayers in the 2023-2024 fiscal year across Northern Province:
In Gicumbi District, Dusangire Ubuzima Ltd was recognized.
In Burera, Cooperative Baho Neza Butaro received an award.
In Musanze, SOCOH Ltd, a cooperative trading in alcoholic beverages, was honored.
In Rulindo, Cooperative RUCUSEC, providing cleaning and security services, was celebrated.
In Gakenke, Cooperative Abakundakawa Rushahi, a coffee growers’ cooperative, was recognized.
The Chief Guest, Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice, joined by RRA Commissioner General Ronald Niwenshuti, officials from various sectors, security personnel, and a wide array of taxpayers, attended this notable event.
For the 2024/2025 fiscal year, RRA has been tasked with collecting RWF 3,061.2 billion, which accounts for 54% of the country’s national budget.