Placido Hilukilwa
THE Namibia Local Businesses Association (NALOBA) says that the Tax Amnesty declared by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) in April last year, which lasts until the end of this month, was of little practical help to local businesses. Therefore, NALOBA sees no point in asking for an extension.
“The tax amnesty was good in theory, but of little practical benefit to local businesses,” said the association’s spokesperson, Marius Nangolo.
He added that NALOBA is engaging the Ministry of Finance to find a way out of the various challenges local businesses are currently facing, including the problem of tax arrears. According to Nangolo, businesses would only benefit from a tax amnesty if the underlying difficulties that caused the tax arrears are addressed.
Nangolo painted a gloomy picture of local businesses, saying that many are struggling, with “only their names remaining” and little to no actual business activity happening.
“Only a quarter of the businesses, or even fewer, are performing and reaching their targets,” he said.
He also pointed out that many local businesses, particularly in the construction industry, are dependent on government contracts, which have significantly decreased. State-owned companies are now taking up most of the government contracts.
“The State is now both a player and a referee at the same time. However, this is not a time to criticize but rather a time to strategize. That is why we are engaging the Ministry of Finance, including NamRA,” said Nangolo.
Picture for illustrative purposes only.
