GATSIBO – Motorcycle Taxi (Taxi moto) operators in Gatsibo District have been cited among prominent tax evaders in the area.

William Nizeyimana, head of Rwanda Revenue Authority in Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts, said that only five taxi motor operators declared tax payment statements out of 146 registered members of a local cooperative.

"Apart from these five members, the rest in the cooperative deprived the revenue body of Rwf 2.5 million through tax evasion,” he said.

He made the revelation, Thursday, during a consultative meeting on tax compliance in the district, which brought together revenue officials, traders and other tax payers in the district.

The meeting called for intensive sensitisation to educate residents on dangers of tax evasion.

Isaie Habarurema, Gatsibo vice Mayor in charge of finance and economic planning, urged residents to always honour their tax obligations.

"We must work together as a team to ensure that the district becomes a role model in tax compliance. Concerted efforts are the only solution to make this come true,” he said.

The deputy Mayor went on to remind participants that taxes must be paid for national development.

"The country is developed by its citizens first, other forms of aid comes in second. We should strive to build our nation through tax collection and payment,” he added.

Robert Mugabe, official of the anti-smuggling department in RRA, called on participants to join efforts in fighting the continuous influx of smuggled goods in the district.    

This should begin with local leaders. They should keep in mind that anti-smuggling campaign is their responsibility.” Mugabe said. 

Ends