URA Leverages Government Databases to Uncover Unregistered Taxpayers

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is intensifying its efforts to broaden the tax base by tapping into a wealth of government data. In a significant strategic shift, the URA is forging connections with several key government databases. This initiative is designed to pinpoint individuals and entities that have not yet registered for tax purposes.

By cross-referencing information from sources like the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), the URA expects to identify potential taxpayers who are currently operating outside the formal tax net. This data-driven approach is anticipated to significantly improve tax compliance and revenue collection.

The URA’s digital tax systems are being further integrated to facilitate this data analysis. This technological enhancement allows for a more efficient identification of discrepancies and the subsequent onboarding of unregistered taxpayers. The authority believes this move will not only increase revenue but also ensure fairness in the tax system.

Officials have expressed optimism that this new strategy will be instrumental in achieving the authority’s revenue targets. The focus is on creating a comprehensive taxpayer registry that reflects the true economic activity within the country. This proactive measure underscores the URA’s commitment to modernizing tax administration and bolstering national development through increased revenue. The URA aims to create a more inclusive tax system by bringing all eligible taxpayers into the fold.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/markets/ura-turns-to-govt-databases-to-hunt-for-missing-taxpayers-5589334