20 Aug 2014

Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) has turned its fortunes around through tax collection and recorded an increase in revenue performance by 166 per cent for the last  10 years.

Speaking during the BURS 10^th anniversary through a Roadshow at Lobatse recently, regional manager Ms Mmamosadinyana Maiketso said the company envisioned its journey to excellence in 2004 through merging two departments of customs and taxes in order to assess and collect revenue efficiently and effectively for the development of the country.

Presenting a commemoration report prepared by BURS commissioner general, Mr Keneilwe Morris, she stated that the company sustained revenue growth of P11.8 billion in 2004/2005 to P31.4 billion in 2013/14 and recorded excess revenue collection of P190 billion.

Ms Maiketso said their organisation saw it fit to celebrate its 10^th anniversary with the public at large to extend their gratitude to taxpayers.

She reminded the public that, tax collected from individuals and business sectors helps in driving development of the country such as improving infrastructure, educating future leaders as well as financing different experts based on different professions such as medical doctors.

“Through roadshows, we are able to reach a large number of the public, children included, and this way, we will be able to teach and groom young children at a tender age so that in the next coming years they will be responsible and remain proactive in complying with tax regulations,” she said.

Ms Maiketso also said the objective of the celebration provides an opportunity to boost employee morale and make them to feel connected to the organisation and increases BURS visibility within the community and enhance corporate image.

Furthermore, she encouraged all residents who are renting out houses to others to visit the nearest BURS offices for assistance on tax paying procedures.

On BURS achievement over the past 10 years, Ms Maiketso said to improve customer service, they established a call centre facility that allows customers to forward their tax queries and customs requirements.

She described the system as reliable as it offers quick service to customers compared to regular visits and long queues experienced by customers at the office.

BURS, she noted has also established e-filling of VAT and e-payment of taxes to arrest long queues experienced when the closing date approaches. They have also introduced x-ray scanners that are deployed at border posts for enhancing security, and also launched a confidential complaints hotline for corruption prevention purposes.  ENDS