The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has described media as a strategic partner in national development citing that first-hand information on revenue matters is vital for public consumption.

Commissioner General for MRA, Felix Tambulasi, made the remarks during the official opening of the training workshop of the Association of Business Journalists (ABJ) that is underway in Mangochi.

He said the media serves as the vital link between the authority and the taxpayer and that through its reporting, it shapes the public understanding of taxation, influence attitudes toward compliance and ultimately contribute to the nation’s economic progress.

“MRA has just rolled out the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) on the 1st of May. We are also enforcing Rental Income Tax more rigorously than before. If these developments are misunderstood or miscommunicated the consequences can be significant, taxpayers suffer, businesses suffer and national revenue mobilisation suffers,” said Tambulasi.

He therefore expressed the authority’s commitment to transparency and openness adding that it’s doors are always open to the media for clarity and verification before publishing.

Meanwhile, Association Business Journalists President Arthur Chokhoto argued journalists to be having more information on taxation including the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) and Rental Income Tax.

This year, government has set a domestic revenue target of K6.2 trillion for financing roads, hospitals, schools and other public services.