The Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has issued a one-month ultimatum for online businesses to register for tax purposes.
This announcement was made on July 24, 2025, after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) and the Tanzania Revenue Authority at the Institute of Tax Administration (ITA) in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking to the press, TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda said the Authority has strengthened its capacity to address challenges brought about by the digital economy. Especially the fact that some major companies operate in Tanzania and facilitate digital business operations without necessarily having a physical presence in the country.
Mwenda emphasized that online businesses must register within the one-month window and will receive necessary support from the tax authority during this period.
“We have given one month from August 1st to August 30th. Those doing business with these companies, including those who rent out houses through Airbnb and have not registered with the TRA, and do not contribute anything, have been given time to enable them to register and contribute, because they have not been exempted from paying taxes,” Mwenda said.
He added that the one-month grace period will be accompanied by a nationwide awareness campaign.
“There are those doing online business, selling items, setting up a store at their home, and no longer operating physical shops like others, and they too have not been exempted from paying taxes. As long as their annual income exceeds four million shillings, they are also required to pay taxes,” Mwenda said.
He concluded by warning that after the one-month deadline, those who have not registered will face penalties.
