A third of tax arrears received

Jo-Maré Duddy – A total of N$1.3 billion in outstanding tax was received by the end of March as part of government’s tax arrears incentive programme which was launched in February last year.

Delivering his budget motivation in parliament this week, deputy finance minister Natangue Ithete said this is a “significant collection of arrears in a single year”.

The initial deadline of the programme was at the end of July. This was extended to 11 March and again to 3 April.

When he announced the programme last year, finance minister Calle Schlettwein the total tax arrears, including fines and interest, stood at about N$19 billion. The ministry hoped to recover about N$4 billion.

Ithete said on Monday a “post-programme evaluation” is being carried out.

“While thanking those who participated in the programme, I want to urge all taxpayers to be compliant and to honour their obligation without being reminded,” he said.

Reflecting on the ministry’s trade facilitation and border control function in the 2017/18 budget year, Ithete said the use of risk management techniques, scanners and international collaboration resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit goods worth N$22.5 million across Namibia.

Roadblock operations lead to the recovery of N$570 461, while Mandrax tablets worth N$687 500 were intercepted at borders.

In addition, joint operations with the police resulted in the confiscation of 6 rhino horns, 22 elephant tusks and 13 pangolin skins.