Business

BURS drives online tax filing campaign

Going digital: Moonwa
 
Going digital: Moonwa

“The workshops are particularly meant for the business community as a way of introducing and driving the uptake of the e-services platform,” she said.

E-service or electronic service, can be described as the application provided by BURS for taxpayers to utilise information and communications technology (ICT) in different areas. According to Moonwa, the launch of the e-services platform was intended to ease the way customers file returns and pay tax and to promote compliance.

Further, she said, these workshops are intended to take customers through a live demonstration, create a conversation and for them to provide feedback on the services offered. The first workshop was held last week Tuesday in Gaborone with an impressive turnout from the business community. “We are hopeful and encourage other areas to be as receptive,” said Moonwa.

E-services was first introduced and piloted in 2013 for the value added tax (VAT) paying customers only, which the BURS said was successful and as a result the current bouquet of services now includes application for tax registration, de-registration for all tax types, filing and payment of all tax types such as VAT, customs duties, excise duties, pay as you earn (PAYE), income tax and other withholding taxes.

 Other services that are now available include viewing of compliance status, viewing of account status, updating personal or company details, tax clearance certificate application, viewing, printing and verification.

BURS has encouraged the public to register for e-services and conduct their tax affairs at their convenience and at the click of the button.

The tax agency also reminded customers about the current filing season (July to September 2016), urging them to register and e-file their individual tax returns. Moonwa urged customers to log onto to BURS website to register for e-services.