MORE than K3.5 million out of K34.4 million has been recovered from tax evasion cases by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
The money recovered results from seven concluded cases that were being investigated from January to March this year.
Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) communications manager Oliver Nzala said the Authority receives cases from FIC which are acted upon through investigations and Taz audits.
“ZRA has concluded Seven cases from the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) resulting in the recovery of over K3.5 million out of the K34.4 million issued in assessments to the taxpayers from January to March, 2023. The status of the dissemination is reported quarterly to the FIC,” he said.
Mr Nzala said in the pursuit of its investigations, the Authority ensures that tax evaders are assessed for tax and they may also be prosecuted for non-compliance with Revenue Laws.
He said in line with the recommendations of the FIC Report, cases are also referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for suspected money laundering offences, having tax evasion as a predicate offence.
“ZRA is intensifying its fight against Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) by working with Law Enforcement Agencies through the exchange of information and enforcing of domestic tax laws and policies so that taxpayers pay their dues from businesses,” he said.
Mr Nzala noted that the sharing of intelligence on tax issues creates an opportunity for the Authority to combat tax evasion and tax frauds, which are all elements that undermine the capacity to generate the legitimate revenue for the people of Zambia.
“The Authority fully supports the collaborative mechanism that has been put in place between various Government agencies to fight money laundering and Illicit Financial Flows.Taxpayers are also reminded that tax evasion is a predicate offence to money laundering and may have wide ranging consequences for those who engage in such a practice,” he concluded.
(Mwebantu, Sunday, 7th May, 2023)