Nyabihu District to host Taxpayer’s Day

. Rwf.6m earmarked for the ceremony WESTERN PROVINCE KARONGI — Nyabihu District has been selected to host this year’s Taxpayer’s Day slated for June 19. At least Rwf.6m has been earmarked for the ceremony, Rwf.1.2 of which will come from districts in the province. This was announced last week during a joint preparatory meeting between Rwanda Revenue Authority officials and the concerned local leaders from area districts. The meeting was also meant to review the preparations for the ceremony, and discuss ways of increasing tax collection in second quarter of the fiscal year. Evaliste Ntaganda, the RRA regional coordinator, said 14 best taxpayers will be awarded in the whole province. The awards will include blue channel certificates, certificates of merit and study tours, according to the tentative programmes of the ceremony seen by the New Times. Peter Ruyumbu, RRA commissioner in charge of quality assurance, noted that the Taxpayer’s Day is important in order to thank tax payers who comply with their tax obligations. “About 56% of the national budget was collected by Rwanda Revenue Authority last year. This is a tremendous success which is attributed to obedient tax payers. There is no reason why such a day to celebrate with them should not be organised,” he said. Celestin Kabahizi, the provincial governor, who chaired the meeting, hailed mayors for their efforts in increasing domestic taxes, urging them to work hard and even surpass their targets. Cautioning residents against tax evasion, the governor also thanked traders who fulfill their tax obligations. Bernard Kayumba, Karongi District Mayor, disclosed that close to 2,000 traders were discovered to be operating illegally. Ends