By Elizabeth Nakiru
Uganda Revenue Authority is engaging traders in Midwestern Uganda to enhance their understanding of the Digital Tracking Solution (DTS) and promote compliance.
DTS is a track & trace platform that sends production and importation data for specific products immediately to both Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
The system involves the stamping of products with a digital stamp for tax purposes (URA) and conformity stamps—for safety standards certification (UNBS).
During an engagement with traders in Mubende yesterday, Ismail Waiswa, a domestic taxes officer, informed participants of the products that have to be affixed with digital stamps and the process of acquisition.
He also delved into offenses and penalties that come with forfeiting DTS.
Taxpayers raised concerns about the high penalties and increase in counterfeit and substandard goods that bear digital stamps.
“A penalty is a deterrent measure; it is not to put you out of business but to keep you on the right track,” Waiswa clarified.
Senkubuge Allan Peter, the Station Head of the URA Mubende service center, urged manufacturers to notify URA of any counterfeit goods so that they can be seized and turned over to UNBS.
“URA will come in for the tax component,” he clarified.
Traders also sought clarification on stamped goods that get damaged during transit.
“Separate damaged products and record them in your books; that is evidence you can present to URA and deduct the assumed tax. This will help you avoid paying more tax than you should,” Waiswa explained.
Mubende Municipal Council Mayor Eng. Ssekiziyivu Innocent also attended the event and urged taxpayers to plan for taxes when in the initial stages of the business.
“No business has ever closed down because of taxes,” the mayor emphasized. “The business closes down because you don’t plan for taxes but pay every other business expense.”
He also implored them to reach out to UNBS when it comes to substandard goods and contact URA for all tax-related concerns as opposed to hiding or relying on middlemen.
A similar engagement happened in Fort Portal, where Joan Kemigisha, a DTS expert further clarified the mandates of URA and UNBS on digital stamps.
She emphasized that URA only works with taxpayers whose goods have a Q mark issued by UNBS, a certification that the goods are up to standard for consumption.
