Car import loopholes sealed

THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and the Road Transport Safety Agency (RTSA) have tightened loopholes on tax dodgers importing cars without paying Advance Income Tax (AIT) through the use of other people’s TPIN (Tax Payer Identification Number).

In a joint statement issued by ZRA public corporate relations manager Topsy Sikalinda and RTSA public relations officer Fredrick Mubanga, the institutions said this was part of the rapid measures to curb tax evasion.

The duo said the situation was hurting the economy though tax crimes.

Mr. Mubanga said RTSA would only allow the registration of vehicles only in the TPIN that was used at importation except for the official registered car dealers with clean tax accounts.

He said further steps have been taken to curb abuse of rebates under duty free for persons with disabilities hence Red books are to be issued on these motor vehicle instead of white books.

ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda said, “This is part of our continued Joint operations that are meant to address tax evasion in the importation of motor vehicles. It’s about tackling illicit trade in all of its expressions and already our collaboration is bearing fruit”.

And RTSA Chief Executive Officer Zindaba Soko said, “The Agency will not allow tax evaders who are using other people’s TPIN Numbers at importation for the sole purpose of avoiding to pay Advance Income Tax to change names at registration.”

He further said, “this is undermining the tax laws hence negatively affecting the overall government revenue base which is critical for the country and the Zambian people.”

Mr.Soko said the new measures were with immediate effect and all stakeholders including Interpol have been noti-fied about the changes.