TRA

The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is the principal government agency responsible for tax administration in Tanzania. Established by the Tanzania Revenue Authority Act No. 11 of 1995, it commenced operations on July 1, 1996. TRA operates as a semi-autonomous body under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance, with its headquarters located in Dar es Salaam.

📌 Core Mandate and Responsibilities

TRA’s primary role is to administer and enforce tax laws, ensuring the collection of government revenue. Its key functions include:

• Tax Collection: Assessing, collecting, and accounting for various taxes such as:

  • Income Tax (corporate, individual, PAYE)

  • Value Added Tax (VAT)

  • Customs and Excise Duties

  • Stamp Duty

  • Motor Vehicle Registration and Transfer Tax

  • Fuel and Petroleum Levies

  • Tourism Development Levy, among others

• Policy Advisory: Providing recommendations to the government on fiscal policies and tax legislation.

• Compliance and Enforcement: Promoting voluntary tax compliance and taking measures against tax evasion and fraud.

• Customs Administration: Overseeing import and export duties, and facilitating international trade.

• Taxpayer Services: Offering services such as taxpayer registration, tax return processing, and taxpayer education.

🎯 Vision, Mission, and Core Values

• Vision: “A Trusted Revenue Administration for Socio-economic Development.”

• Mission: “We Make It Easy to Pay Tax and Enhance Compliance for Sustainable Development.”

• Core Values: TRA upholds values that define its ethical standards and guide its operations, ensuring fairness and integrity in all its dealings.

🏛️ Organizational Structure

TRA is governed by a Board of Directors and led by the Commissioner General, currently Mr. Yusuph Mwenda. The agency employs approximately 7,000 staff members and operates through various departments specializing in domestic revenue, customs, legal affairs, and taxpayer services.

🆕 Recent Developments

In January 2025, TRA launched the Integrated Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS). This digital platform aims to enhance transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in tax administration by:

• Allowing taxpayers to access detailed statements of their tax accounts remotely.Streamlining tax processes, including filing and handling tax objections electronically.

The implementation of IDRAS is part of TRA’s efforts to modernize tax administration and improve taxpayer experience.

📲 Digital Services

TRA offers a mobile application available on Android devices, providing users with convenient access to various services, including:

• Verification of Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) and VAT Registration Numbers (VRN).

• Validation of Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) receipts.

The app is designed to facilitate self-service for taxpayers, reducing the need for physical visits to TRA offices.