NGOMA-Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) yesterday awarded exemplary taxpayers in Eastern Province with certificates of merit.

The tax body also donated 13 Friesian cows to needy residents of various sectors in the Province.

The ceremony was preceded by the official launch of a multimillion public market.

Addressing hundreds of residents at the Province’s 10th Taxpayers Day, the Commissioner General of RRA, Ben Kagarama, said that the overall aim was to acknowledge the value of taxes and taxpayers.

He assured taxpayers of better services, noting that Rwandans have developed a positive attitude towards paying taxes. He observed that accountability and compliance is the bottom-line.

"Days of tussling between taxpayers and RRA are long gone. People know paying taxes is in their interest and that of the country. We managed to collect Rwf 492 billion as opposed to a RRA target of Rwf 458 billion. These taxes represent 52 percent of the country’s overall budget. It is a positive trend,” he said.

Kagarama revealed that RRA would soon launch One-stop Border posts at Kagitumba and Rusumo borders.

"Don’t smuggle goods that are tax-free under the EAC agreement.  You should also be ready to embrace E-filing and payment. Such are the levels Rwanda has reached.”

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Agnes Kalibata thanked residents of Eastern Province, for their commitment to paying taxes.

She said that the fact that the province collected Rwf 13.5 billion to boost its coffers, speaks volumes.

"We must move beyond foreign handouts...today we are able to give our people modern cows, and tomorrow, we shall even be better,” she said.

Vedaste Isabwe, the chairperson of the business community in Ngoma District, said that traders enjoy a good relationship with RRA.

"We have realised the importance of paying taxes. That RRA is bringing its services to our door steps is great news. We have no more defaulters,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Eastern Province, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira and other high ranking government officials.

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