The taxpayer services department in Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has set December 31, as the deadline for all taxpayers in the country to have declared their quarterly returns for the year 2008 or else they face penalties.

Ben Kagarama, the Deputy Commissioner for large taxpayers said this yesterday during a meeting that brought together taxpayers’ advisors and RRA, at the Sports view Hotel, in Remera.

Kagarama said that the period given was ‘more than enough’ for every taxpayer to have completed their declaration.

"We decided to set the deadline because we found out that the time given was enough. If it goes beyond this date, it would be contravening the law and we will have no other alternative but to reinforce penalties,” Kagarama said.

The taxpayers’ quarterly returns are supposed to be certified by their tax advisors. Kagarama urged the 100 tax advisors who attended the meeting to provide quality and professional work since they were experts.

Gadi Munyenwari, the head of registration, reminded the tax advisors that they are answerable for any mistakes that may be incurred in their clients’ businesses resulting from their incompetence or otherwise.

"As authorized people who prepare the taxpayers books of accounts and declare their businesses, you are liable for any risk that will be caused by you,” Munyenwari said.

Meanwhile, a four-man interim committee headed by Emmanuel Habineza, was in the same meeting elected to coordinate all the activities of tax advisors until official elections are held.

Ends