Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) announced temporary measures to support businesses as Rwanda and the world continue to grapple with effects of Covid-19. This follows another lockdown that started on January 18 that is expected to last 15 days. The following measures are in line with this year’s theme “Support Business for Economic Resilience”. Extension of “Quitus Fiscal-2020” validity The announcement signed by Commissioner General, Pascal Bizimana Ruganintwari, says that Quitus fiscal ( filing returns and paying due taxes) for the year 2020 is extended up to February 2, 2021 for all taxpayers appearing on a published list on RRA website. Subsequent to this extension, RRA says, public institutions will facilitate taxpayers in the services that require Quitus Fiscal while customs will also facilitate on the same. Extension of the deadline for rental income tax, trading license RRA says the deadline for filing rental income tax and trading license is extended up to February 28 and concerned taxpayers are encouraged to file early in order to proceed with payment any time before the new deadline. Temporary suspension of strict debt recovery measures The taxman has also announced temporary suspension of strict debt recovery measures, customs comprehensive audits and motor vehicle ownership transfer. Both in domestic taxes and customs services, garnishments on taxpayers’ bank accounts and public auctions of seized assets/goods will temporarily be put on hold until February 2021. Customs services, it says, has suspended all comprehensive audits that require physical interactions with taxpayers and remained with desk audits only. Flexibility in customs operations RRA has pledged to prioritize and expedite release of relief goods based on risk management and pre-clearance mechanism of essential goods as well as continuous engagement with its stakeholders both private and public.
