30 May 2016

Batswana have been advised to follow the right channels to pay tax because failure to comply can result in one becoming a defaulter.

Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) official, Mr Obakeng Khumo said this at the Tutume Sub-district Council chairperson’s meeting at Selolwane ward on May 26.

Mr Khumo explained that tax was a major player in any country’s economy as it added to revenue, hence Botswana had come this far in terms of developments through revenue earned from loyal tax payers.

He noted that over the years, many people were confused since there was little information regarding who should pay tax and how they should do it.

Mr Khumo said BURS had taken a major step to disseminate information using different platforms such as kgotla meetings and even taking their services to the people.

They did this by having their officers during end of tax year placed at different places across the country to assist people on filling their annual returns forms.

He nonetheless cautioned the public to be vigilant of some people, who during the end of tax year, would visit some eligible tax payers, in particular business owners claiming to be BURS officers and demanding  annual returns from them in cash.

Mr Khumo added they have had such cases in the past year and urged people whoever comes across such individuals should immediately contact their offices and even report to the nearest police station. 

Regarding the recently introduced livestock tax of four per cent, he explained it is only applying to farmers who will be selling their livestock for slaughtering not to people, butcheries and or to Botswana Meat Commission (BMC).

He said only four per cent will be deducted and paid as tax to BURS, explaining livestock sold or bought for events such as weddings, bogadi and funerals shall not be deducted for tax. Ends