By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has announced a remarkable year-to-date revenue collection of E6.02 billion.
This figure represents a 13% increase over last year’s collection under the legacy e-tax system, reflecting a notable boost in the country’s tax revenue.
The Minister for Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, shared this achievement during the 2024 Filing Season Press Briefing held at the ERS Headquarters in Ezulwini yesterday.
The substantial increase in revenue is attributed to the successful rollout of the TaxEase platform, which has significantly streamlined the tax filing process for Eswatini’s taxpayers.
“Launched in March 2024, TaxEase has proven to be a game-changer in modernizing the tax administration system. The platform has facilitated over 54,000 tax returns, including 38,900 PAYE returns, 11,466 VAT returns, 368 CIT returns, and 3,108 PIT returns. Notably, more than 7,514 accounts have been registered on the TaxEase platform, allowing users to manage multiple Tax Identification Numbers (TINS) through a single account.”
Minister Rijkenberg emphasized that this impressive revenue collection underscores the effectiveness of TaxEase and the dedication of taxpayers to compliance.
“The increase in revenue reflects both the growing trust in our new system and the collective commitment of our taxpayers,” Rijkenberg said. “Each Lilangeni collected plays a crucial role in funding essential public services, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare.”
The Minister reiterated the importance of timely tax filing, reminding taxpayers of the key deadlines
“By staying compliant, you are not only avoiding penalties but also contributing to the prosperity of our nation,” Rijkenberg added.
The substantial increase in revenue collection highlights the success of Eswatini’s efforts to enhance its tax system and foster greater compliance, setting a positive precedent for future fiscal periods.