BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – There is hope for owing taxpayers as Eswatini government launched a Tax Debt Relief Programmes for those with outstanding tax liabilities.
When launching the programme yesterday afternoon, Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg stated that the programme will waive interest and penalties for enrolled taxpayers and will be open for three months, starting on May 5, 2022.
“Taxpayers are expected to pay the principal debt or make a payment arrangement to liquidate the principal debt and thereafter have the interest and penalties waived,” the minister said.
The politician explained that the programme shall provide relief on interest and penalties having considered taxpayers’ different circumstances.
“Whilst we empathise with those taxpayers who have heavy debts, as a Ministry, we cannot absolve any taxpayer from paying the principal tax debt,” he said.
He said the ministry was aware that the prevailing economic conditions are making it even more difficult for most businesses and all persons expected to contribute to the fiscus through payment of taxes.
“This is more complicated for those who are contending with debts with the ERS, particularly due to penalties and escalating interest. During this programme, all taxpayers who enrol for this programme are expected to fully comply with all tax obligations,” he said.
He further disclosed that any taxpayer who fails to meet these conditions will be disqualified from the programme and all outstanding taxes including all penalties and interest become due and payable.
