Allexer Namundjembo
The finance and public enterprises minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, has provided much-needed relief to businesses and individuals struggling to recover from recent economic challenges by announcing a two-year extension to the national tax amnesty programme.
Shiimi made this announcement yesterday while presenting the mid-year budget in parliament.
The minister recognised that many businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some businesses shut down, impacting their ability to pay their tax.
“I thus postpone the deadline for two more years, and we will not extend the deadline further,” he said.
Shiimi also highlighted the government’s commitment to tax policy and administration reforms, emphasising measures intended to ease the burden on taxpayers and bolster the economy in the near to medium term.
“Our focus remains on providing relief to taxpayers while ensuring that we support our economy effectively. These measures are essential to foster growth and stability as we navigate these challenging times,” he said.
The Tax Amnesty Programme was announced by the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) on 1 April 2023 and was supposed to last until today before it was extended.
The amnesty offers taxpayers an opportunity to settle outstanding dues without penalties, providing significant financial relief during this period.
On Tuesday, the acting president of the Walvis Bay Chamber of Business, Jonhy Doeseb, wrote to the finance ministry’s executive director, Titus Ndove, pleading for an extension of the amnesty deadline.
In his letter, Doeseb highlighted the financial difficulties many Namibians continue to face, worsened by the recent economic climate.”
“Failing to extend this deadline could have serious consequences for many businesses and individuals, especially with the upcoming national elections and holiday season, which typically demand extra financial resources for bonuses and incentives,” he said.