Motor cycle taxi operators warned on tax evasion

SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA- The district authorities have threatened to arrest all motor cycle taxi operators who have evaded payment of relevant taxes in Nyamabuye Sector. Vivens Ukubaho, the district tax officer, said that a number of motor cycle taxi operators have not paid monthly tax dues since January 2009. These defaulters include motor bike riders, special hire drivers and heavy load lorries. Operators are supposed to pay a monthly tax fee of Rwf 3000, as indicated in the presidential decree, No.02/01.31/03/2008, on district taxes. “We have warned them about the laxity and lack of compliance and none has heeded to such calls,” Ukubaho said, adding that this time around appropriate action will be implemented immediately after getting a go ahead from the police. Such operations were mounted in the district, in December 2008, and over 200 motorbike operators were arrested and restricted from transporting residents during the festive season, which sparked complaints. Due to the numerous complaints, the district went slow on enforcement. “This time, around we are serious and enforcement will be effective,” Ukubaho stated. Upon being told to comment Etienne Musonera, the chairman of velo-moteur taxi operators, denied claims that there are many tax defaulters among them, insisting that the group has been proactive in paying dues and emerged among the best tax payers in the district. “These claims are false, because each of the velo-motor cycle taxi operators has paid their dues. We have had several meetings over this issue and it has been resolved by the association of velo- motor cycle taxi operators, that each pays the tax individually,” Musonera said. Ends