By Otto Abut
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed the National Revenue Authority to strengthen revenue collection and strictly enforce existing tax laws.
The directive was issued on Wednesday after the President received a report from the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority, William Anyuon Kuol.
Briefing the President, Mr. Anyuon said the Authority has the capacity to generate sufficient revenue to pay government salaries, fund public services, and support national development projects.
He however highlighted several challenges affecting effective revenue collection,these include unnecessary tax exemptions, lack of cooperation from some members of the business community and taxpayers, as well as limited support from certain stakeholders.
The Commissioner General further revealed that tax exemptions granted to a few wealthy individuals and companies have cost the government billions of dollars in lost revenue.
President Kiir emphasized the need for fairness in taxation and urged the Authority to ensure strict compliance with tax laws to boost national revenue.