Traders attribute the hike on prices in south Sudan to high taxes at the border while state tax collectors blame clearing agents for the upsurge.
Traders in Torit town are displeased over dues paid at the borders, claiming that they pay multiple taxes and they have to increase prices in a bid to recover their investment, Emmanuel Radio reported.Eastern Equatoria Revenue Commissioner Peter Loujo recognizes that traders are taxed heavily but he blames clearing agents for over taxation.
A team Revenue officials including Mr. Loujo explained to Emmanuel Radio listeners in a live show that government principles on tax collection are clear and friendly towards traders.
They said clearing agents were the people to blame.
Donald Ijjo, the acting Director for non- tax revenue, complained the clearing agents collect much money at the borders that they do not remit to the government treasury.
He added that the agents had connections with people in power in Juba.
Mr. Ijjo suggested the intervention of the government of South Sudan to harmonize tax collection across the region and remove clearing agents to lower prices.