During the past years of reform, efforts have been carried out in the revenue sector to strengthen institutional implementation capacity,

During the past years of reform, efforts have been carried out in the revenue sector to strengthen institutional implementation capacity, build a modern tax administration system, ensure compliance with tax laws, and secure sustainable revenue growth.

In connection with service delivery, work has been undertaken to expand a modern tax system. In 2011, only 10.1 percent of taxpayers filed their taxes electronically, but by 2017, 94 percent of taxpayers were submitting their tax returns through e-filing. Similarly, the share of taxpayers who paid their taxes electronically rose from a very low level in 2011 to 64 percent in 2017. Efforts to strengthen the modern tax system in order to provide efficient services and expand tax accessibility are continuing with increased momentum.

In the first six months of 2018, 709 billion birr in revenue was collected. This represents an increase of 256 billion birr compared with the same period of the previous year. For 2018, a total revenue target of 2.1 trillion birr has been set, and work is underway to achieve it. Going forward, efforts will continue to be intensified to further expand technology-driven tax administration, prevent tax evasion, and implement a tax system based on trust between taxpayers and the tax administration.

• Aynalem Niguse
  Minister of Revenues