Summary:
- Lukyamuzi Ponsiano, Domestic Tax Officer from the Gulu Office, clarified that taxpayers can amend returns to reflect a loss.
GULU: The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on Wednesday conducted a tax education session with stakeholders from the construction and engineering sector in Gulu District.
The engagement aimed to enhance tax compliance, refresh participants’ knowledge of return filing processes, and address tax-related concerns affecting the construction community.
The session began with participants sharing their expectations, which included seeking guidance on amending returns, correcting invoice errors, and understanding how URA plans to facilitate trade in the construction sector to help their businesses thrive.
Andrew Kyakonye, the Team Lead Educator, took participants through the process of return filing, detailing different types of returns such as provisional returns, monthly returns, and the recently introduced web-based VAT return forms.
Kyakonye emphasized the importance of filing and paying tax returns accurately, making amendments in case of errors, and providing correct data to avoid inconveniences.
“As you plan your marketing and funding strategies, don’t forget to include tax planning. Paying taxes should be a deliberate part of running a business, not an afterthought,” he advised.
During the interactive session, Otim Charo, Managing Director of Chordway Consult (U) Limited, raised concerns about the consequences of inaccurate tax predictions in provisional returns.
Lukyamuzi Ponsiano, Domestic Tax Officer from the Gulu Office, clarified that taxpayers can amend returns to reflect a loss.
In cases of surplus, the excess funds become credit for the taxpayer, which URA offsets in subsequent returns.
Lalwedo Rebecca, representing Got Apwoyo Construction and Engineering Services Limited, inquired about URA’s role in quality assurance for construction projects.
Regional Manager Arthur Akol explained that while URA does not assess project quality, it evaluates construction materials for tax purposes.
“Our scientists ensure that materials are correctly assessed for tax implications to close revenue leakages. Quality assurance of projects falls under other government agencies,” Akol stated.
The session provided a platform for feedback, with participants urging URA to enhance service delivery, customer care, and support. The URA team pledged improvements and encouraged taxpayers to report concerns using URA’s official contact channels.
“As URA, we have adopted the Client Relationship Model, where every taxpayer is assigned a tax officer to foster a good working relationship,” Akol reiterated.
Similar sector-specific engagements are ongoing in Gulu and Kitgum for the next two weeks, aimed at promoting tax compliance and strengthening URA’s relationship with local businesses.
