UGANDA, Gulu | Real Muloodi News | The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) conducted a tax education session on Wednesday, 15th January 2024, with stakeholders in Gulu District’s construction sector. The initiative aimed to improve tax compliance, address industry-specific concerns, and support the growth of businesses in the construction sector.
The event began with participants outlining their expectations, including guidance on amending tax returns, resolving invoice errors, and understanding URA’s strategies for supporting trade within the construction sector.
Andrew Kyakonye, URA’s Team Lead Educator, presented an overview of return filing processes, covering provisional returns, monthly returns, and the newly introduced web-based VAT return forms. Kyakonye stressed the importance of accurate filing and tax planning as integral to business operations.
“Paying taxes should be a deliberate part of running a business, not an afterthought,” he emphasized.
During the session, several participants raised concerns and sought clarification on tax-related issues. Otim Charo, Managing Director of Chordway Consult (U) Limited, inquired about the impact of incorrect tax predictions in provisional returns.
In response, Domestic Tax Officer Lukyamuzi Ponsiano explained that taxpayers can amend returns to reflect losses or surpluses. Any surplus, he added, is credited to the taxpayer for future offsets.
Lalwedo Rebecca of Got Apwoyo Construction and Engineering Services Limited questioned URA’s role in ensuring quality assurance for construction projects.
Regional Manager Arthur Akol clarified that while URA does not assess project quality, it evaluates construction materials for taxation purposes to prevent revenue leakages.
“Our scientists ensure materials are properly assessed for tax purposes. Quality assurance falls under other government agencies,” Akol stated.
The session provided an interactive platform for feedback, with participants urging URA to enhance customer service and support. The URA team pledged improvements and encouraged stakeholders to report issues via official channels.
“As URA, we have adopted the Client Relationship Model, where every taxpayer is assigned a tax officer to foster a good working relationship,” Akol added.
Similar engagements will continue in Gulu and Kitgum over the next two weeks to promote compliance and strengthen relationships between URA and businesses in the construction sector.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
URA Launches Rental Income Tax Online Course to Educate Landlords
