Makanza Legal Services

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has launched electronic visa and residence permit services for foreign nationals wishing to visit or reside on the country. Applications can be made online from any location around the world. All related fees will be paid electronically through the government's e-payment system. The system will be linked to other e-government systems (BRELA,TIC,TRA, GePG etc).

Did you know that a public notice has been issued to individuals and companies providing home stay accommodation services to tourists under the Tourism Act, no. 29 of 2008. Unregistered Home Stay owners and Tourist Agents in Tanzania mainland are required to be registered by the Director of Tourism and issued with the Tanzania Tourism Business Licence by 30th October 2018. This includes persons who conduct, operate or intend to conduct or operate a tourist facility or activity.

Did you know that TRA has issued a public notice on amnesty on accumulated interest and penalties on tax arrears. The intention is to give relief to taxpayers with debts by waiving 100% interests and penalties to motivate them to pay Principal Tax liabilities voluntarily and in instalments within the financial year 2018/2019 as long as they apply within six months from the beginning of this financial year.
The tax amnesty will exclude (a) Customs and excise duties that are governed by the East Africa Customs Management Act. 2004.
(b) Revenue TRA is mandated by law to collect on behalf of Local Government, Agencies and other Government departments e.g. Gaming taxes, Property Tax, Advertising fees, etc.

Did you know that the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) has amended the requirement for SMEs with assets value exceeding Tshs 800million from obtaining approval from FCC before merging. This move has been aimed at reducing the financial burden facing this category of companies that want to merge. FCC approval is no longer required for mergers for SMEs with assets value up to Tshs 3.5billion.

Did you know that it has been reported that TCRA has clarified that the ongoing registration and licensing of online service providers under the Electronic Postal Communications (online content) Regulations Act, 2018 excludes website owners and social media platforms (whatsapp, instagram & facebook). It affects bloggers, podcasters, online radio and television who would be required to apply for a licence, pay a licence fee upon registration and annual fees. Websites concerned with publication of current affairs and news content will be required to register.

Did you know that the 2018/9 budget for Tanzania
will be read today?

Did you know that a proposed Real Estate Act is expected to be tabled in Parliament this year to regulate the sector? It has been reported that the Bill will cover matters such as compensation for land acquisition for government development activities and fees paid by tenants to estate agents and brokers.

Did you know that you could avoid a Tshs 30,000 charge by traffic police by validating your car insurance through http://mis.tira.go.tz/auth/validateCover. Contact your insurance company directly if your information does not appear on TIRAMIS.

TIRA MIS

You are reminded that land rent for 2017/2018 must be paid before 30 April 2018. The payment is required for holders of title deeds and letters of offer for plots in Tanzania.

Did you know that The Ministry of Labour and Employment has an Online Work Permit System. One can lodge an application for work permits through www.workpermit.mof.go.tz (https://workpermit.mof.go.tz/)