Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has urged businesses to use Electronic Billing Machines (EBM), and consumers to always demand EBM receipts.

He pointed out that EBM helps keep track of collected taxes that are used in national development

Ngirente made a call on November 19, during the event that marked the end of the 20th Taxpayer Appreciation Month and awarded best taxpayers at the national level.

Ngirente outlined various opportunities in the private sector saying that the business operating environment is favorable to practitioners as a result of improved regulatory mechanisms

In addition, Ngirente commended the Private Sector Federation (PSF) for its joint effort in boosting the country’s economy which is reflected in the GDP increase from Rwf806billion in 2000 to Rwf10,944billion in 2021 and assured continued support from the government to keep improving.

Regardless of global economic shocks, Ngirente said, Rwanda’s economy is estimated to increase by 6.8 per cent by the end of 2022

"Those are projections but when we work hard we will surpass them,” he added

Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Pascal Bizimana Rugenintwali, said that tax compliance rates have improved over the years boosted by the introduction of technology in tax collection and administration. He noted that other contributing factors include visible development in the country that gives taxpayers the zeal to meet their tax obligations.

"The introduction of EBM in our tax administration has greatly improved the level of compliance by taxpayers. It is therefore our plea that you continue using the EBM consistently and correctly since it not only helps us keep track of tax revenues but also allows you to keep track of your business operations,” he said.

Rugenintwali also called for more compliance by taxpayers as the economy recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, as the taxation body celebrates 25 years, he revealed that revenues have risen over the years from Rwf59.9billion in 1998/1999 to currently Rwf1,910.2billion and the current tax base standing at 383,103 taxpayers from a paltry 633 taxpayers in 1998.

He also disclosed that the revenue collections target for the financial year 2021-2022 was met because of the cooperation with taxpayers as well as the Authority’s tax compliance improvement plan put in place.

"Total revenue collections were Rwf1,910.2billion against a target of Rwf1,831.3billion translating to an over achievement of 4.3 percent,” he said

Donatha Mukanyarwaya, a businesswoman based in the Northern Province who ran her business since 1975 shared her journey in business and revealed EBM is a game changer in business today and calls for all businesses to use it in paying taxes arguing that it has a lot of impact on the country’s development.

"EBM helped me to manage my stock and reduce the number of stolen money from her worker and EBM help her in tracking her transaction eased her job in various ways,”

She urged RRA to approach the new business and sensibilise them on using EBM as well as include the Kinyarwanda language in EBM among other suggestions.

During the event, a total of 33 taxpayers in the different categories were awarded for their significant contribution to improved tax revenue collection.