Government to reduce tax burden on traders

JUBA – The governor of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony on Thursday promised that his government plans to reduce tax burden on traders.

This came after traders decried multiple taxation and arbitrary levies imposed on their businesses by government agencies.

The taxes and levies were introduced by the Juba City Council, National Revenue Authority, and civil defense and criminal investigation departments of the ministry of interior.

Speaking during a consultative workshop organized by the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on Thursday, Governor Anthony said the government will regulate the tax payment system in the country.

“We have to reduce tax load because some people say our taxes are high and we have to look at this issue,” Anthony said.

The governor said there are lot overlaps in tax system that needs to be addressed to pay ways for effective utilization of revenue.

“There is a lot of overlap and I think the Commissioner General of NRA has mentioned it here, like who collect what and at what level so that we remove this idea from over taxing the citizens,” Anthony said.

“This is their outcry and you will agree with me, so we have to look at what does the law say, the NRA law and our respective constitutions in the states and the national constitution which is the supreme law,” he added.

He said revenues play a vital role in the development of the nation.

“You will agree with me that revenue plays a vital role in the development of the nation. When we have fixed revenue in the country definitely we will realize resources that can be utilized for service delivery and development,” he said.