Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) is set to release tax refunds totalling N$66,805,594.15 to 63 150 individual salaried persons and pensioners.
NamRa Chief Strategic Communications and Support Engagements, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, announced this yesterday and said that the agency is set to make the payments this week; however, the refunds will only be available to the taxpayers a week after.
He said NamRA’s strategic approach involves meticulous risk assessment, the establishment of acceptable risk thresholds, and the implementation of an automated refund process.
This has resulted in the processing of 91,092 returns, contributing to the clearance of refunds dating back to 1991.
“The Agency has implemented a series of innovative measures to expedite the refund process, which entails thorough scrutiny, risk assessment, general acceptable risk threshold, and an automated refund process,” he said.
Ndorokaze added that the refund amounts vary from the lowest at N$100 and the highest at N$101,959.61.
However, despite the progress made, challenges persist as a total of 8 137 taxpayers face delays as they have not provided bank account details on their profiles.
Ndorokaze emphasised the urgency for these taxpayers to promptly furnish their banking details.
“We urge all taxpayers, especially those with pending refunds, to verify the accuracy of their provided information and ensure swift communication,” he stated.
A comprehensive breakdown of the refund process reveals that 129 262 returns have been flagged for audit. Of these, 91,092 returns have been identified for release.
Furthermore, Ndorokaze stated that taxpayers whose employers have not remitted withheld Pay As You Earn (PAYE) or honoured payment arrangements for at least six months will not be included in this phase of refunds.
“NamRA is dedicated to enhancing taxpayer confidence and ensuring that the tax refund process is fair and judicious. This mass refund not only signifies financial relief but also marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to streamline our services and deliver tangible benefits to the Namibian people,” Ndorokaze concluded.
