By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
ZAMBIA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) has urged the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Bank of Zambia (BoZ) and tax experts to increase research on broadening the tax base in Zambia.
ZACCI vice-president – South, Chabuka Kawesha, said it was important for the ZRA, the industry and tax experts to increase research and transparency in the area of taxation.
Commenting on the recent increment of taxes on clear beer and airtime in an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Kawesha said the chamber acknowledged the move by the Government through the 2014 National budget.
“Taxation, we all know, cannot remain at the same level. Let us collectively get involved in contributing positively and using sober language in broadening the tax base,” he said.
“Yes, any tax measure will either increase or reduce the cost of the delivery or products therefore what we can do right now is to positively contribute and encourage the appropriate Government agencies and ministries to drive the agenda of broadening our scope of tax avenues,” he said.
Dr Kawesha said there were huge areas that could be taxed such as local government markets but effective systems and structures had to be in place.
He said the chamber was confident that ZRA and BoZ would lead and put in place measures aimed at broadening the taxable base, as well as address the realities of tax evasion and smuggling in the country.
“We are confident that Zambia Revenue Authority, Bank of Zambia supported by other government agencies and industry will put in place the necessary measures to promote and identify new taxable areas and measures, address the realities of tax evasion and reduce smuggling opportunities in the country,” Dr Kawesha said.
Following the 2014 National Budget announcement, some tax measures have taken effect.
On Tuesday this week, Zambian Breweries increased the retail price of its clear beer alcoholic beverages by 16 per cent on the returnable glass bottle pack, excluding the sorghum-based eagle lager.
This follows the increase in excise duty on clear beer from 40 per cent to 60 per cent that the Government last year announced as part of the 2014 National Budget.
