Niël Terblanché
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) announced on Wednesday that it successfully distributed more than N$75 million in tax refunds to over 50 000 taxpayers.
According to Tonateni Shidhudhu, NamRA’s spokesperson, the mass payout, completed in two phases on 23 October and 1 November 2024, provided refunds ranging from N$100 to N$3 000 across various tax categories.
He added that the refund initiative forms part of NamRA’s ongoing efforts to clear the longstanding backlog of refunds and improve service delivery to Namibian taxpayers.
Shidhudhu said the effort is aligned with Section 94 of the Income Tax Act of 1981 and added that NamRA has committed to further reduce refund delays by implementing a third batch of payments, expected later this month.
“This upcoming phase will include refunds on tax credits between N$101 and N$100 000, with an estimated payout exceeding N$200 million,” he said.
He stressed that the effort reflects its dedication to addressing taxpayer concerns and ensuring that those who meet their tax obligations receive their refunds promptly.
Shidhudhu indicated that refunds totalling nearly N$61 million remain on hold for over 31 000 taxpayers due to incomplete tax returns or missing banking details.
To prevent further delays, he urged affected taxpayers to update their tax records and banking information.
“The agency is also encouraging individuals to visit their nearest NamRA office or contact their call centre for assistance in completing these updates,” he said.
This wave of refunds comes amid a broader push by NamRA to improve its operational efficiency and restore public trust in the tax refund process.
The agency’s commitment to clearing backlogs and enhancing its refund mechanisms has been positively received by the public.
In recent years, NamRA has introduced a series of reforms to streamline tax administration, including the implementation of digital systems that allow for quicker processing and easier access to taxpayer information.
NamRA’s actions are seen as a step forward in addressing challenges faced by taxpayers, particularly those who rely on timely refunds.
“By improving transparency and accountability in its processes, NamRA is aiming to enhance public confidence in Namibia’s tax system,” he said.
Shidhudhu assured taxpayers of NamRA’s commitment to expedite refunds for compliant individuals and has encouraged continued engagement with its services to resolve any outstanding issues.
He reminded taxpayers to take proactive steps in updating their information to avoid missing out on future refunds.
