Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) on Friday rewarded a tax payer with a brand new car as part of efforts to encourage customers to insist on issuance of EBM receipts each time they pay for goods and services.

The car worth Rwf 8million was awarded to Aaron Uwimana, a resident of Nyakabanda in Nyarugenge District.

To participate in the competition dubbed ‘Tombola Izihirwa’ the general public was required to text details of their receipts from Electronic Billing Machines after purchases.

The winners were selected through a draw.

Uwimana said that his winning receipt was worth Rwf 30,000.

The competition was part of efforts to mobilize the general public to always request for EBM receipts after every purchase. By inculcating such a culture among Rwandans, the citizens become part of the tax collection enforcement measures.

EBMs account for about 33 per cent of the country’s overall tax collection.

"I urge other consumers to make it a habit to always ask for the receipts for all their transactions,” Uwimana said.

Emmy Mbera, the EBM project coordinator at Rwanda Revenue Authority said that asking for EBM receipts after every purchase is important as it ensures that the authorities can follow up on taxes.

RRA gave away prizes worth Rwf 42 million including 2 brand new cars, 2 new brand motorcycles, 5 flat screens, 11 smart phones and over 300 people got cash awards. 

EBMs make it possible for the taxpayer and tax body to share information in real time, thus providing a channel for permanent dialogue between tax administration and taxpayers.

The machines serve as a management tool that has helped improve revenue collections and eased the VAT refund process.

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