This call follows the recent disbursement of rewards to at least 80 final consumers, equivalent to 50% of the penalties imposed on traders, who refused to issue invoices or issued inaccurate receipts. The penalties were based on credible information provided by the affected final consumers.
The rewards are in line with Ministerial Order No. 002/24/03/TC of 08/03/2024, determining the reward based on the Value Added Tax (VAT), stipulating that a final consumer is entitled to 10% of the VAT amount shown on the invoice issued.
However, when the consumer is denied an invoice and reports it to the Tax Administration, they receive an additional reward equivalent to 50% of the penalties paid on that invoice.
One of the beneficiaries received a reward of over Frw1.9 million, after reporting different traders, who denied him invoices. RRA followed up on these cases and imposed penalties.
Since registering, he made it a point to always request EBM receipts and ensure that the amounts matched what was paid. If any trader refused, he would report them.
Another recipient, who received Frw120,127, reported a trader who gave an undervalued receipt that didn't match the amount paid. To date, about 58,000 people have joined the VAT reward program.
Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications, emphasized the importance of compliance, noting that it is a legal requirement for traders to provide EBM receipts for all transactions.
'Many consumers are actively reporting non-compliant sellers, and we truly appreciate their efforts. We encourage them to continue as their proactive actions help to ensure that taxes are properly collected and do not end up in the pockets of those unwilling to provide an EBM receipt or who issue one with less amount, thus stealing government taxes,' Uwitonze said.
To participate in the VAT reward program, consumers need to first register by dialing *800# or via MyRRA system and following the prompts. For reporting, information is sent to the RRA WhatsApp number 0739008010, and consumers will be entitled to 50% of the penalties imposed on the trader.
'We should all embrace this program to support our country's development agenda while also giving final consumers direct rewards,' Uwitonze noted.
IGIHE
