Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Corporate Communications Manager Topsy Sikalinda says the Authority has collected K384 Million and has received 267,707 in applications during the Amnesty Initiative.

And Sikalinda says businesses that will sign an extension agreement with the Authority after the expiry of the Amnesty, will be granted a grace period of up to December for them to clear their tax obligations.

“After the amnesty, people still have a grace period of up to December to clear their taxes and the grace period is only applicable to those who will sign the extension agreement. But in January, we shall start enforcement on any one who is defaulting, whether parastatal or private,” Sikalinda said.

“The exceptional program aimed at helping taxpayers put their liabilities behind them has collected 384 million kwacha and received 267, 707 applications as at 30th June 2017. The Amnesty initiative gives individuals and businesses the opportunity to have 100 percent interests and penalties waived off by simply paying the principal taxes.”

Sikalinda said taxpayers had a great opportunity to start afresh and be compliant with the tax authority by applying for the tax amnesty.

“It is very important to reminisce that back taxes do not go away and that burden will continue to follow you and grow as long as you do not comply. Monday 31st July 2017 is the final opportunity for taxpayers to settle their tax debt and take advantage of tax amnesty which started on 24th April 2017. ZRA is cognizant that the liquidity of most taxpayers is not very good and those who are unable to settle the principal taxes immediately have an opportunity to enter into time-to-pay agreements (TPA) and spread the payments up to December 2017,” said Sikalinda.

“In order to ensure that more people are helped, ZRA will conduct a National Tax Amnesty Week from 17th to 21st July, 2017 in 12 different towns namely: Chingola, Chinsali, Chipata, Choma, Kabwe, Kasama, Kitwe, Livingstone, Lusaka, Mongu, Ndola and Solwezi.”