News
TIN to NIN move will be phased, not instant
Mirembe also urged the audience to be responsible by being tax compliant.
Ugandans at the Kololo Independence Grounds for the NIRA Expo. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)
By: Jackie Nalubwama, Journalist @New Vision
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On a hot Wednesday (September 30) at Kololo Independence Grounds, Ugandans in the business sector listened attentively to URA panellists explaining the move from using the Tax Identification Number to the National Identification Number.
The National Identification and Registration Expo, themed “My Identity. My Shadow. Never Apart.”, has been organised by NIRA, alongside its sponsors such as New Vision, Bank of Uganda, Uganda Revenue Authority, and Tahaluf and Kampala Capital City Authority.
In a session during which a URA panel answered different questions from the audience, one man posed a question about how genuine the process of the move from TIN to NIN is.
“From 2015, you encouraged people to register and get a TIN, but I started getting emails to pay taxes. You are imposing taxes, but you don’t know my business location. Are you going to be genuine with the transition from TIN to NIN?” he asked.
Christine Mirembe, URA’s assistant commissioner, client services, allayed his fears, saying the process is genuine and will be done in phases. She said URA will not instantly switch to using the NIN, not until a significant number of Ugandans have registered from TIN to NIN.
“From 2015, you encouraged people to register and get a TIN, but I started getting emails to pay taxes. You are imposing taxes, but you don’t know my business location. Are you going to be genuine with the transition from TIN to NIN?” he asked.
Christine Mirembe, URA’s assistant commissioner, client services, allayed his fears, saying the process is genuine and will be done in phases. She said URA will not instantly switch to using the NIN, not until a significant number of Ugandans have registered from TIN to NIN.
“Firstly, at URA, when people come to register as taxpayers, they also have obligations, such as tax returns. You are supposed to return and tell us that you are going to close your business,” said Mirembe.
Importantly, Mirembe explained that URA has a complaints office where grievances are attended to, including tax complaints or any irregularity.
“If you are unsatisfied (upon visiting the objections office), there is an alternative dispute resolution office, where you can take your case. So, if you feel unsatisfied, come to us,” said Mirembe.
Mirembe also urged the audience to be responsible by being tax compliant. “Know your obligation and pay income tax. You need to carry out self-regulation (okwegereka). Even you who have a small business, come and tell us what you can do and where you are; you will get the income tax that is commensurate with your earnings,” she said.
Importantly, Mirembe explained that URA has a complaints office where grievances are attended to, including tax complaints or any irregularity.
“If you are unsatisfied (upon visiting the objections office), there is an alternative dispute resolution office, where you can take your case. So, if you feel unsatisfied, come to us,” said Mirembe.
Mirembe also urged the audience to be responsible by being tax compliant. “Know your obligation and pay income tax. You need to carry out self-regulation (okwegereka). Even you who have a small business, come and tell us what you can do and where you are; you will get the income tax that is commensurate with your earnings,” she said.