Govt launched tax disclosure scheme
By a Correspondent
FINANCE and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane has launched the Extended Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (EVDS), giving eligible taxpayers until December 31, 2026 to regularise their tax affairs and settle outstanding principal tax liabilities.
The scheme, launched at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, provides eligible taxpayers with undisclosed or incorrectly declared tax obligations an opportunity to voluntarily disclose the relevant information and settle outstanding taxes, with accrued penalties and interest remitted.
Dr Musokotwane said the programme was intended to strengthen tax administration, improve voluntary compliance and provide a fair and transparent environment for taxpayers and businesses.
He said the initiative should not be viewed as a reward for taxpayers who had failed to comply with their obligations.
“The EVDS is not a reward for non-compliance. It is a carefully designed compliance intervention that gives eligible taxpayers a structured opportunity to correct past omissions and begin meeting their obligations consistently,” Dr Musokotwane said.
He said tax revenues remained critical to national development because they financed the government budget, including expenditure on education, healthcare, infrastructure, social protection and public security.
Dr Musokotwane said the share of Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) administered revenues in the national budget increased from 49.6 per cent in 2021 to 71.7 per cent in 2025.
“For 2026, the share is projected at 73.1 per cent, with government targeting an increase to 80 percent in the medium term,” he said.
Dr Musokotwane said government recognised that a fair and effective tax system required eligible individuals and businesses to contribute according to the law and their economic circumstances.
He emphasised the importance of stability and consistency in tax policy, saying predictability in the tax system was important for the growth of existing businesses and the promotion of new investment.
Government’s recent consultations on the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) 2027–2031 reinforced the need to simplify tax procedures, improve taxpayer services, strengthen public education and digitalise tax administration.
Dr Musokotwane said the consultations also highlighted the need to build mutual trust between government and taxpayers.
He however said non-compliance remained a major challenge to domestic revenue mobilisation.
“We need to change this narrative. We need to improve tax compliance, expand the tax base and ensure equitable contribution to the national treasury,” Dr Musokotwane said.
