President Mutharika declares war to tax noncompliance

President Mutharika declares war to tax noncompliance

The Malawi President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has warned that the law shall take its course on individuals that are running away from paying tax. He said his government is ready to pursue and track down any individual trying to avoid paying tax liability, and once found shall face the penalty of the law.

President Mutharika was speaking at Kamuzu palace in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the launch of Projects Compendium and National Dialogue on Private Sector Development.

The Projects Compendium is a compiled project opportunities available in Malawi which presents some of the immediate opportunities the Government is offering to both local and international investors to this country. The compendium was formed following his directive that the project opportunities available in Malawi be compiled so that investors are aware of the numerous investment opportunities Malawi offers.

But speaking on how his government is strengthening the economy and ensure that all taxable businesses and individuals are not escaping their required task, Mutharika said he will not tolerate any person who running from their tax liabilities.

“Let Malawians pay their taxes,” he said “and let Malawians not take money from Malawi to hide it outside.”

“From today I declare war on all Malawians who are evading taxes and who are taking money out of this country. Your days are numbered!” he underlined

President Mutharika therefore called on business communities and Malawians to partner with government and do their roles in sustaining the economy.

“As an economy let us focus on strategic directions hence priotise and match actions accordingly. Therefore let the manufacturing sector work beyond the domestic markets let government pursue the pro-business policies and regulations. Let the donors fulfil on their commitments let the general public contribute to the Malawi economy by enhancing productivity and promoting governance and the private sector takes up the challenges as the engine of growth.”

The president has promised good economic governance, security, avoid disruptive policy reversals by review of some unpredictability policies, fair competition by empowering Competition and Fair Trading Commission to fulfil its role, and make good Regulatory Environment so that it is easier and less costly to operate a formal business. He also said issues of energy, transport infrastructure and access to credit facilities will be worked out so that there is a very conducive environment for operating business in Malawi.

President Mutharika has declared this war few days after Malawi’s Former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo, a business man Shiraz Ferreira and Nelson Kauwa were arrested over tax evasion.