Widen tax base, governor advises Sector leaders

NORTHERN PROVINCE The Sector Executive Secretaries in the country have been asked to create an enabling investment climate for the private sector to thrive in their areas for the express purposes of widening the tax base. The Governor of Southern Province, Fidele Ndayisaba made the call while making a presentation on revenue collection and cost minimisation before Sector leaders from Nyamagabe district, who were attending a retreat in Musanze district, early this week. The governor urged the leaders to set up monthly, quarterly and annual tax collection targets. He observed that a sound tax base at the sector levels requires revenue collection efficiency especially for trading licences and property taxes. “Invest and collect, don’t rely on receiving,’’ Ndayisaba said. He added that there was need for rigorous risk assessment before undertaking public-private partnership for profitable investment. On management of the tax systems, he said proper procedures which are within the legal framework and competent, trained workforce are required to monitor the databases. The Sector leaders convened for a three-day retreat in Musanze during which period they would also get a guided tour of some developments in the area. They resolved to embark on taxpayers’ sensitisation, grading and establishing the number of taxpayers after the retreat and to boost collection in order to ensure proper revenue management. Ends