By 
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has commenced a nationwide Cost of Tax Compliance Survey to establish the costs, challenges and practical experiences taxpayers encounter when meeting their tax obligations.
The survey will run from 7 September to 31 October 2026 and forms part of ZRA’s broader commitment to building a simpler, more efficient, responsive and taxpayer-centred tax administration system.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, said the authority will engage selected taxpayers across the country during the exercise.
He said the purpose was to understand the amount of time, financial resources and administrative effort businesses and individuals incur in processes such as tax registration, record keeping, filing returns, making tax payments, using electronic tax systems and responding to tax-related requirements.
“The findings will provide critical evidence to help the Authority identify areas where tax processes can be simplified, unnecessary compliance burdens reduced and taxpayer services improved,” Nzala said.
He clarified that the survey was not a tax audit, investigation or enforcement exercise. Taxpayers selected to participate have, therefore, been encouraged to provide open and accurate information on their experiences and the challenges they face in complying with their tax obligations.
ZRA Commissioner General, Dingani Banda, said the survey reflected the authority’s determination to listen to taxpayers and continuously improve the tax system.
“Effective tax administration is not only about collecting revenue. It is also about understanding what taxpayers go through in meeting their obligations and finding practical ways of making compliance simpler, less costly and more convenient,” Banda said.
Read More: Towards three million tonnes: KCM’s role in Zambia’s growth agenda
He added that ZRA wanted a tax system that supported voluntary compliance, encourages business growth and strengthens confidence between taxpayers and the Authority.
Banda said that reducing the cost of compliance was particularly important for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which might have limited financial and administrative capacity to navigate complex tax processes.
“ZRA will use the results of the survey to support reforms in areas such as digital tax services, taxpayer education, filing and payment processes, administrative procedures, service delivery and compliance support,” he said.
The Commissioner General further assured taxpayers that officers conducting the survey would identify themselves appropriately and will only collect information relevant to the exercise.
Banda also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to verify the identity of any person claiming to represent ZRA where they were uncertain. He emphasized that no taxpayer should make any payment to an officer for participating in the survey.
“ZRA values the cooperation of taxpayers participating in this important national exercise,” Banda said.
He assured that the Authority remained committed to balancing effective domestic revenue mobilisation with fairness, convenience, transparency and reduced compliance costs.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments