The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has revealed that there has been positive response from the public regarding payment of withholding tax – WHT on rental income.
ZRA Acting Corporate Communications Manager Robert Zawe said it is every landlord’s duty to pay tax through the tenant and has encouraged everyone to do so in order to ensure that they contribute to the main source of the country’s revenue.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Zawe said ZRA has various sensitization programs on various tax matters He urged the public to voluntarily comply in order to avoid being penalized as the goal is not to penalize but build consensus and create mutual relationships through tax education.
He explained that taxes build the nation as they help to develop the country’s public goods such as health, education and infrastructure systems therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that they contribute to funding the needs of living in a civilized society.
He added that it is a requirement by law that everyone pays tax therefore whoever chooses not to remit tax is evading it and the law will soon catch up with them. Landlords should take this opportunity to regularize their withholding tax due on rental income to avoid penalties.