Cut workers’ tax burden, Zitto challenges govt

Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo) party leader ZittoKabwe has challenged the government to cut tax burden on workers

The outspoken lawmaker for Kigoma Urban made the challenge in a statement released to the media on Tuesday, May 1, as Tanzania joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Labour Day.

 “Despite the fact that formal workers account for only 9 percent of the national work force, they contribute 75 percent of revenues collected by Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) through Pay-As-You-Earn (Paye),”he argued

He added,“while employers through taxes on incomes/interests, profits and capital gains contribute 25 percent only,” he said

He added “There are about 2.1 formal workers in the country; this work force is crucial to transforming country’s economy. We will therefore continue to raise our voices, with a view to protecting their fundamental rights and make sure that the government creates enabling working environment for workers”.

International Labour Day is celebrated across the world on May 1 to promote and encourage the international labour associations

This year’s celebrations, themed “Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement”, at the national level are being held in Iringa Region, graced by President John Magufuli