This research aims to investigate tax estimation methodologies employed by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and the Tanzanian government's evaluation of tax policies, with a focus on stakeholders' perspectives and experiences. Utilizing an online information gathering system, data was collected over a three-month period spanning from November 2023 to January 2024. The study primarily targeted businessmen and other stakeholders involved in business operations and taxation in Tanzania.
Findings from the research revealed several key insights:
- Tax Estimation Parameters: Stakeholders expressed concerns about the adequacy of TRA's consideration of various parameters such as business size, age, ownership structure, industrial sector, and location in its tax estimation processes. There is a perceived lack of alignment between TRA's estimations and the unique characteristics of businesses, potentially leading to inequities in tax burdens.
- Government Oversight and Policy Evaluation: While stakeholders exhibited moderate confidence in the government's assessment of tax burden for investment attraction, doubts were raised regarding its effectiveness in ensuring consistency in tax policies over time. This highlights the need for enhanced government oversight and transparency in tax policy formulation and implementation.
- Tax Challenges Faced by Businesses: Stakeholders identified a range of tax challenges faced by businesses in Tanzania, including complexities in tax regulations, inconsistencies in tax assessments, and concerns about the competitiveness of Tanzania's tax regime in attracting investment.
Based on these findings, recommendations for policy refinement and future research include:
- Enhancing TRA's understanding and incorporation of diverse business characteristics into tax estimations.
- Strengthening government oversight mechanisms to ensure consistency and transparency in tax policies.
- Addressing tax challenges faced by businesses through regulatory reforms and capacity-building initiatives.
Hence, this research provides valuable insights into the complexities of tax estimation and policy evaluation in Tanzania, with implications for fostering a more equitable, transparent, and conducive tax environment for businesses.