Taxpayers have been warned against tax evasion if they are to avoid punitive measures. The call was made during a tax sensitisation campaign organised for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Rusizi District, on Wednesday.

"Any person who is involved in a business activity is regarded as a taxpayer and should have a tax identification number (TIN); that will enable them to declare taxes,” Jean Marie Gakwerere, the head of tax education division at the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), said.Gakwerere added that some SMEs fear being registered with RRA and end up paying unnecessary penalties which hinder their development.He shaded light on taxes collected by the tax body and those that are collected by districts, urging participants to avoid confusing the two.He noted that RRA put in place several facilities aimed at protecting SMEs, including decetralisation of services, VAT quarterly payment, and tax consultants.Taxpayers requested for more RRA offices to be opened closer to their areas to avoid travelling long distances to meet their tax obligation.They cited lack of access to credit facilities and poor road network among the challenges stifling their growth. Theoneste Sebazungu, a trader, was optimistic that tax education would help them to avoid penalties over non compliance.The training was part of the ongoing joint tax education carried out by RRA and International Finanbe Corporation, which kicked off in Nyarugenge District recently. It   is geared at increasing tax awareness and compliance among SMEs.