MRA incorporates more banks in service automation drive

Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) says it has increased the number of banks involved in tax collection from four to 10 in anticipation of service automation.

Previously, MRA has been working with National Bank of Malawi, NBS Bank, Malawi Savings Bank and Standard Bank.

MRA deputy corporate affairs manager Steven Kapoloma, in an e-mailed response to a questionnaire last week, said they have included FMB, Ecobank, FDH Bank, Nedbank, Indebank and CDH Investment Bank in its pilot phase in which large taxpayers are able to pay their taxes through the banks.

“These taxpayers are now able to pay their taxes at any branch of the commercial banks and not only at MRA offices as was the case before. After the pilot phase is done, this service will be open to all taxpayers,” he said.

Kapoloma said the addition of six banks gives more choice to taxpayers to ensure swift settling of taxes thereby saving time spent on queues in banking halls within MRA premises.

“Taxpayers can also transfer tax money from their account into MRA account through mobile electronic services available at each of the 10 banks.

“We are also piloting the electronic payment of taxes, an MRA e-payment platform, where taxpayers will pay from their desktop, laptop computers and mobile phones. All these are aimed at reducing costs of compliance and eliminate time lost in the earlier process,” he said.

MRA has been engaging in a number of initiatives to ensure that both small and large taxpayers pay the appropriate tax.