Private Sector Federation (PSF) members in Western Province have pledged to work with the tax body to sensitise and encourage business operators to embrace Electronic Billing Machines (EBMs) to ensure tax compliancy. 

PSF Western Province branch chairman Chyrisologue Kubwimana said the federation will soon launch a campaign to sensitise members on the taxation process, and the importance of paying taxes. 

Kubwimana said; "We want to play a key role in sensitising the business community so that they understand the importance of paying taxes.” 

He was speaking on sidelines of the Taxpayers Appreciation Day 2016 in Karongi District, Western Province on Wednesday.

The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) deputy Commissioner General, Pascal Rugantintwari said the aim of the day is "to build dialogue between RRA and taxpayers, and share ideas on how the revenue body can improve service delivery. 

He said the Western Province contributed Rwf16.3 billion to the national coffers during the 2015/16 fiscal year. 

"The Taxpayers Appreciation Day encourages Rwandans to participate in the promotion of the government goal of making Rwanda a self-reliant economy,” Rugantintwari said. During the event, the 14 best taxpayers in the province were awarded.

John Bavugamenshi, a businessman, discouraged colleagues against vices like tax evasion and tampering with the EBM machines.

Western Province executive secretary Paul Jabo said the authority will work with the tax body and the business community in area to train entrepreneurs in bookkeeping and business management. Jabo challenged the business community to be honest and avoid acts that affect tax collections, arguing that such practices hurt the economy.

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