Despite the fact that Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA)’s annual profit tax payment deadline is 30th June, the authority was forced to extend the closing date.

Over 3,500 taxpayers rushed to clear profit tax and by 11pm, the eight tills in the banking halls were still receiving payments.

Celestine Bumbakare, the RRA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes explained that there was need to extend the deadline to yesterday, in order to attend to tax payers who did not afford to clear on 30th yet were still in the queue.

"Today, we are receiving payments from those who came on the final day and were not attended to. Other taxpayers who failed to beat the deadline will be able to clear but with penalties,” he added.

According to Bumbakare, it is not that they cannot handle big numbers of taxpayers. He said many tax payers chose to show up on the last day of payment.

"Our staff is efficient and big in number. We are therefore able to attend to all our tax payers, however when they all come on the final day, it is impossible to serve all of them,” he said.

Bumbakare added that, the tax body will continue to sensitise the public on the need to pay on time.
Penalties on late tax payment still stand.

Bumbakare is very optimistic that this will enforce a culture of early payment such that everyone clears within the deadline.

Ends