Taxation System in Tanzania

The tax regime in Tanzania consists of a number of direct and indirect taxes including income tax, Value Added Tax, import duty, excise duty, and stamp duty. There are
also taxes levied at the local government level. All central government taxes are administered by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).

The authority has three tax departments (Domestic Revenue, Customs and Excise, and Large Taxpayers (in respect of all taxes). TRA is headed by a Commissioner
General in charge of tax collection and day to day administration. The Ministry of Finance oversees the tax policy.

Generally, Tanzania uses the self-assessment approach with a requirement to file a tax return at the end of the year. Tax payment is on a quarterly basis. Withholding
tax arrangement applies to individuals deriving income solely from employment (PAYE) and also to non-resident taxpayers with Tanzania source income. VAT is
accounted for monthly. Here are some of the taxes administered under the taxation system in Tanzania

1. DIRECT TAXES
Corporate taxes
The income tax base in Tanzania is still narrow. Taxes on consumption (customs and VAT) continue to make up the bulk of tax revenue. Employment income is heavily
taxed and the tax contribution of businesses is compromised by tax exemptions and evasion. Consequently, the TRA is increasingly adopting sector-specific tax
collection strategies to drive revenue collection.

Residents are liable to income tax on a worldwide basis, while non-residents pay tax only on Tanzania source income. Persons present in Tanzania for at least six
months are regarded as resident for income tax purposes. Companies incorporated in Tanzania, or whose management and control is exercised from Tanzania, are
also regarded, resident.

Strategic investments in priority sectors enjoy tax concessions aimed at encouraging investment flows in those sectors. These include mining, petroleum, and
agriculture. Industrial activities established in the Export Processing Zones also enjoy significant tax holidays.

Corporate tax rates

The corporation tax rate is 30 percent (25 percent for companies listed on the Dar es Salaam stock exchange). This rate is in line with most of the countries in the East
African Community. Branch income (of foreign companies) is taxed at 30 percent as well. There is an additional 10 percent tax on repatriated income of branches of
foreign companies.

There is also what is known as “Alternative Minimum Tax” for corporations in perpetual unrelieved loss for three consecutive years attributable to tax incentives at the
rate of 0.3 percent of the turnover for the third year of perpetual unrelieved loss. The impact of this provision is that companies which end up in a tax loss position as a
result of various allowances by way of tax incentives will be taxed on revenue on the third year of loss-making.

Businesses are required to estimate taxable income for the year and pay tax on that income in four quarterly installments.

Generally, income tax is imposed on a company’s taxable profits after allowance for deduction on revenue expenses and wear and tear allowance on capital
expenditure. There are special rules on deductions relating to deduction of interest (interest deduction is restricted to a prescribed debt/equity ratio of 70/30), losses,
trading stock loses, expenditure on agricultural improvement, expenditure on research development and expenditure on environmental protection.

Noteworthy is the ring-fencing of mining operations. From July 2010, mining companies with more than one mine are required to account for tax and prepare separate
tax returns for each of the mine sites under the same company. The implication of this is that losses in operations of one mine can no longer be offset against the
profits of another mine.

Capital allowances are normally available on depreciable assets (excluding investments assets) used in producing income. The allowance can be on diminishing value of
the asset or straight-line basis. The rates of allowances vary from 5 to 100 percent. A tax rate of 100 percent is applicable to plant and machinery used in agriculture.
There is also a first-year allowance of 50 percent on the cost of the assets for items of plant and machinery used in the manufacturing process (fixed in the factory),
used in fish farming or for providing services to tourists and fixed in the hotel. Depreciation rates for various classes of assets are given below:

CLAS
DEPRECIABLE ASSETS RATE
S

Computers and data handling equipment together with peripheral

devices; automobiles, buses and minibuses with a seating capacity of
1 37.5%
less than 30 passengers, goods vehicles with a load capacity of less than
7 tonnes; construction and earth-moving equipment.
Buses with a seating capacity of 30 or more passengers, heavy general
purpose or specialised trucks, trailers and trailer-mounted containers;
railroad cars, locomotives, and equipment; vessels, barges, tugs, and
2 similar water transportation equipment; aircraft; other self-propelling 25%
vehicles; plant and machinery used in manufacturing or mining
operations; specialised public utility plant equipment, and machinery or
other irrigation installations and equipment.
Office furniture, fixtures and equipment; any asset not included in
3 13%
another Class.
Natural resource exploration and production rights and assets referred to
4 in subparagraph (3) in respect of natural resource prospecting, 20%
exploration and development expenditure.
This study source was downloaded by 100000784861550 from CourseHero.com on 05-28-2022 23:51:04 GMT -05:00
5 Buildings, structures and similar works of a permanent nature used in 20%
https://www.coursehero.com/file/76560720/Taxation-System-in-Tanzaniadocx/
 CLAS
DEPRECIABLE ASSETS RATE
S

agriculture, livestock farming or fishing farming.

Buildings, structures and similar works of permanent nature other than
6 5%
those mentioned in Class 5.
Useful
7 Intangible assets other than those in Class 4.
Life
Plant and Machinery (including windmills, electric generators and
8 100%
distribution equipment) used in agriculture.
9 Mining exploration and development* 100%
*The applicable law is the old Income Tax Act, 1973

Capital gains taxes

A separate capital gains tax was abolished in Tanzania in 2004. A realized capital gain is now accounted as part of the total income brought to charge at the end of the
year. There is however what is called single installment tax on realization of interest in land, shares, and securities held in resident entity or building situated in
Tanzania. The applicable rates are 10 and 20 percent of the gain for residents and non-residents respectively.

Tax losses
Tax losses are deducted in the year which they arise and any subsequent year. There is no time limit in claiming a deduction on tax losses. Foreign losses (from
investment and business) are deducted from foreign income from investment and business respectively. Losses from other investments income are deducted from
investment income. Also, losses from an agricultural business are deducted from income in conducting agricultural business.

Withholding taxes
The table below shows withholding tax rates which are currently in force for both residents and non residents.

NON-
DESCRIP RESID
RESID
TION ENTS
ENTS

Dividends
To
company
controlling 5% 10%
25 percent
or more
From DSE
listed 5% 5%
company
Otherwise 10% 10%
Rent
Land &
10% 15%
buildings
Aircraft
0% 0%
Lease
Other assets 0% 15%
Interest 10% 10%
Royalty 15% 15%
This study source was downloaded by 100000784861550 from CourseHero.com on 05-28-2022 23:51:04 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/76560720/Taxation-System-in-Tanzaniadocx/
 NON-
DESCRIP RESID
RESID
TION ENTS
ENTS

Natural
resource 15% 15%
payment
Service fee 0% 15%
Technical
service to
5% 15%
mining
company
Insurance
0% 5%
premium
Payments
to resident
persons 2% N/A
without
TIN
Tanzania has double tax treaties with nine countries which may provide for a lower rate of withholding tax on dividends.

Transfer pricing and anti-avoidance rules

There are no detailed transfer pricing rules in Tanzania. There is only one provision in the Income Tax Act that makes reference to transfer pricing. This provision
requires transaction between associates to be such that they reflect a transaction that is undertaken at an arm’s length.

Despite lack of proper guidance and firm rules on transfer pricing, it is still imperative for related entities to maintain sufficient, proper and contemporaneous
documentation that supports prices paid to an associate at an arm’s length.

Recently, the tax authority has shown willingness to apply arm’s length principles as set out in the UN and OECD transfer pricing guidelines.

Anti-avoidance provisions
Again, like transfer pricing, there is only a general anti-avoidance provision in the Income Tax Act. The provision gives power to the Commissioner to make adjustments
as regards to a person’s liability to tax or lack thereof as appropriate to counteract any avoidance or reduction of liability to tax that may result as a consequence of a
transaction aimed to avoid tax.

Thin capitalization
Thin capitalization rules are very new in Tanzania. As such, their application is yet to be tested. The rules came as an amendment to the income tax act in July 2010.
Initially, the maximum amount of interest expense allowable for deduction should not exceed the sum of all interest income derived during the year of income plus 70
percent of the total income excluding interest income before deducting interest expense.

The balance was carried forward and treated as incurred during the next year of income. This restriction and the newly thin capitalization rules are applicable to
resident entities whose 25 percent or more of the underlying ownership of the entity is held by a non-resident person.

Tax treaties
Currently, there are nine countries which have tax treaties with Tanzania. These countries are Canada, Denmark, Finland, India, Italy, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, and
Zambia. All the treaties are in force. There are ongoing negotiations to finalize double tax treaties among the partner states in the East African Community.

2. Indirect taxes
VAT
VAT is charged at a standard rate of 18 percent. Export of goods and services (provided they meet the “export criteria”) are zero-rated. The threshold for registration is
above TZS 40m (approximately USD 25,000). There are two VAT regimes in Tanzania – one for Mainland Tanzania and one for Tanzania Zanzibar. Taxable persons are
required to file their VAT returns at the last working day of the following month. The VAT on importation is paid on importation together with customs duty.

Excise Duty
Another indirect tax is excise duty which is imposed on particular goods and services whether imported or locally produced. Services which are excisable include
airtime from mobile phone operators and pay per view television. Goods subject to excise duty include fuel, beer, bottled water, cigarettes, spirits and wines and motor
vehicles exceeding 1000cc.

Customs (import) duty

There is a common law relating to customs duty within the EAC member countries – The East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.
This study source was downloaded by 100000784861550 from CourseHero.com on 05-28-2022 23:51:04 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/76560720/Taxation-System-in-Tanzaniadocx/
 With effect from January 1, 2010, people of the EAC member countries are not be subjected to import duty on goods moving within the region (provided they conform
to the rules of origin adopted under the customs union treaty signed by the partner states). In line with the customs union is the customs common market, which is
effective from July 1, 2010. This is intended to promote free movement of goods and labour within the region.

Import duty rate for goods imported from countries outside the EAC are 0% for raw material, capital goods, agricultural inputs and pure bred animals; 5% to 10% for
intermediate goods; and 25% for finished goods. In addition to that, equipment and supplies imported by mining operator are taxed at 0% up to production and 5%
after one year into production. Equipment and supplies imported by gas and oil explorer are taxed at 0%.

3. Personal taxes
Domicile and residency requirements
Residency status is satisfied in Tanzania if one of the following conditions exists:

 If the individual has a permanent home in Tanzania and is present in Tanzania during any part of the year of income;
 If the individual is present in Tanzania during the year of income for a period or periods amounting to aggregate 183 days or more;
 If the individual is present in Tanzania during the year of income and in each of the two preceding years of income for periods averaging more than 122
days in each such year of income; or
 The individual is an employee or an official of the Government of Tanzania posted abroad during the year of income.

Main rates and bands

The table below summarises individual tax bands and their respective tax rates as of July 2012. Tax for individual is paid in form of “Pay As You Earn”.

INCOME PER ANNUM

TAX RATE
(TZS)

0 – 2,040,000 NIL

14% of the amount in excess of

2,040,0001 – 4,320,000
TZS 2,040,000

TZS 319,200/annum plus 20% of

4,320,001 – 6,480,000 the amount in excess of TZS
4,320,000

TZS 751,200/annum plus 25% of

6,480,001 – 8,640,000 the amount in excess of TZS
6,480,000

TZS 1,291,200/annum plus 30% of

Above 8,640,000 the amount in excess of TZS
8,640,000
Gains and profits from employment includes the following amounts paid by an employer or associate of an employer; wages, salary, payment in lieu of leave , fees,
commission, bonus, gratuity, subsistence, travelling, entertainment or other allowances received in respect of employment or services rendered.

Other payments made in respect of employment including benefit in kind are normally taxed at the higher of cost or fair market value. Such benefits include motor
vehicle, housing, and loans.

There is no personal relief in Tanzania. Contributions to approved retirement funds are deductible for tax purposes.

Social security/national insurance payments

There are a number of approved social security funds catering for public and private sectors. A contribution of up to 10 percent of basic salary is payable by employees.
Approved pension schemes are compulsory with employers contributing up 10 percent, making the total contribution 20 percent of basic salary.

4. Miscellaneous taxes
Taxes on payroll
Tax on payroll in Tanzania constitutes what is called Skills Development Levy (SDL) which is at 6 percent of the gross salary and contributions to social security funds (up
to 10% of employee’s basic salary). This is at the expense of the employer. SDL is used to promote skills development through vocational training.

Taxes on property
Tax on property is usually through land rates and is administered by local government authorities.
This study source was downloaded by 100000784861550 from CourseHero.com on 05-28-2022 23:51:04 GMT -05:00
Other taxes

https://www.coursehero.com/file/76560720/Taxation-System-in-Tanzaniadocx/
 Other taxes include levies charged by local government authorities on revenue generated from conducting business in the respective municipalities. This includes the
City Service Levy which is 0.3 percent on revenue payable quarterly.

The Taxation system in Tanzania can be quite daunting and difficult to navigate. This is why we advise that you seek the services of one of the best law firms in
Tanzania to assist you in devising tax efficient structures for your business.

This study source was downloaded by 100000784861550 from CourseHero.com on 05-28-2022 23:51:04 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/76560720/Taxation-System-in-Tanzaniadocx/
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)