Joshua Niyonshima
Customs Clearing and Forwarding(C&F) agents have requested URA to provide more trainings in Domestic Taxes initiatives especially EFRIS.
This request was made by Alhaji Jaffer Abdallah Chairman Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Association (UCIFA), during a meeting between the association and URA EFRIS team that happened at the URA headquarters recently.
Explaining their plight, Hajji Abdallah argued that they do not understand EFRIS yet they are expected to use it. This he says limits their response to taxation leading to fines and penalties.
Kamara Irene treasurer UCIFA suggested that URA schedule monthly and quarterly capacity building sessions to keep reminding businesses of their obligations, usage of systems and how best they can comply. She also requested for fast refunding of VAT and assistance in ledger reconciliation to traders.
In response, Emmanuel Bichetero AC-compliance promised to facilitate trainings for the agents and on ledger management, he said URA is ready to support traders such that by the close of this financial year, the problem is solved.
Beatrice Muzaale Manager EFRIS advised the C&F agents to maintain proper records as this makes it easy for them to claim VAT.
“Once your books are clear, the work of URA is made easy avoiding the hurdles involved,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Hassan Wasajja Supervisor EFRIS called for the integration of business systems with URA IT systems for better records and EFRIS management. He explained that with modern technology, information gaps have been closed and enforcing tax compliance has become easier.
