MUNDUBILE MUST PRIORITIZE REFORMING ZRA OPERATIONS WHEN HE IS ELECTED TO RESTORE EFFICIENCY AND FAIRNESS
By Isaac Mwenda
One of the key reforms Presidential Candidate Brian Mundubile should prioritize when he is elected is the reform of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) operations. A modern tax administration system should make compliance easier for citizens and businesses, not create unnecessary barriers that disrupt livelihoods and economic activity.
At present, the ZRA TaxOnline system continues to experience recurring One-Time Password (OTP) challenges. An OTP is a security code automatically sent to a taxpayer’s registered phone number or email address to verify their identity before they can log into their TaxOnline account and process transactions. When this system fails, taxpayers are unable to access their accounts, file tax returns, or process Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs).
These disruptions are negatively affecting trade facilitation, as a valid Tax Clearance Certificate is a mandatory requirement for many business activities, including participating in tenders, renewing contracts, and conducting various commercial transactions. When the system is unreliable, businesses suffer delays, losses, and uncertainty.
The same problem is also affecting the ASYCUDA system, where clearing agents are subjected to daily embargoes, disrupting their only source of livelihood. Yet multinational companies appear to be unaffected, raising serious concerns about fairness and consistency in the administration of the system.
This is why reforming ZRA operations must be treated as a priority when Mr. Mundubile is elected. Innocent Zambian citizens should not be subjected to fines and penalties when delays in filing returns are caused by system failures beyond their control. A responsive and efficient revenue authority should support compliance through reliable digital services and fair enforcement.
We hope Mr. Mundubile will speak to these issues during his campaigns, as addressing them would resonate with many Zambians across the country and demonstrate his commitment to practical reforms that improve service delivery.
We respectfully appeal to the Commissioner General of the Zambia Revenue Authority to urgently address the recurring TaxOnline OTP challenges, restore normal system operations, and strengthen the overall efficiency of ZRA services. An efficient and reliable ZRA system is essential for promoting tax compliance, supporting uninterrupted business operations, and building public confidence in the administration of tax services across the country.