If you have been keeping quiet about some of your tax affairs, the Government has opened a window for you to come clean.
Eligible taxpayers have until December 31, 2026 to correct past omissions and regularise their tax affairs under the newly launched Extended Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (EVDS).
Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane launched the scheme at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, saying the programme is designed to improve tax compliance and make the tax system fairer.
But Dr. Musokotwane was quick to make one thing clear: Government is not rewarding people for avoiding taxes.
He said the scheme is a structured opportunity for taxpayers to disclose information they previously failed to provide and correct their tax affairs.
The Minister has particularly urged small and medium-sized businesses to take advantage of the programme, pointing to low tax compliance levels in the sector.
And there is a bigger reason Government is pushing for more taxpayers to comply.
Dr. Musokotwane said tax revenue is becoming increasingly important in financing Government operations and national development.
According to him, revenue collected through the Zambia Revenue Authority accounted for 49.6 percent of the national budget in 2021, but increased to 71.7 percent in 2025.
The contribution is expected to rise to 73.1 percent this year, while Government has set a medium-term target of 80 percent.
JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND
In simple terms, the more Government can collect from domestic taxes, the less it has to depend on borrowing and other sources to finance public services.
Dr. Musokotwane said tax money supports areas such as schools, hospitals, infrastructure, social protection and public security.
He also said Government wants to make the tax system easier to understand and use, improve services at the Zambia Revenue Authority and build greater trust between taxpayers and the State.
For taxpayers who qualify, however, the clock is already ticking.
December 31, 2026 is the deadline to use the Extended Voluntary Disclosure Scheme.
[Brave Heart News | UnlockingMinds]
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