Zambian taxman launches e-payment
GOVERNMENT
By BiztechAfrica - March 2, 2011, noon
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has launched an online revenue collection mechanism –
initially for customs payments, but later for domestic taxes too.
ZRA said in a statement that through an open tender floated in March 2009, ZRA has been working in partnership with registered commercial banks to develop the e-payment System aimed at making it possible for taxpayers to make their payments in a timely and less stressful manner, thereby expediting the flow of revenue to the treasury.
It notes that the Customs E-payment Mechanism will eliminate queues for customs payments, allow 24/7 payment, eliminate payment delays and allow importers to pay via the internet from anywhere.
To be eligible to use this system, interested taxpayers must have a Tax Payer Identification Number issued by ZRA and an account with any of the three participating banks. Access Bank Zambia Limited, Citibank and Zambia National Commercial Bank are pioneering the e-payment innovation.
ZRA hopes to extend this improved payment mechanism to Domestic Taxes, encompassing e-filling of returns and e-payment of domestic taxes.
ZRA Chairman Christopher Mundia says the new e-payment system will translate into taxes being collected at the right time and their being taken to the State Treasury at a lesser cost to the taxpayer.
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