Church tax still under discussion

Finance minister Calle Schlettwein has announced that no new taxes or amendments will be introduced right away and that government still needs to consult.
He made the comments during the delivery of the mid-term budget in the National Assembly this afternoon.
Government announced plans to widen the tax net by roping in the informal sector through a presumptive tax as well as a new tax for non-governmental organisations, including churches and charities.
Government also formally announced plans to tax the foreign income of Namibian residents and providing for specific taxation of trusts.
The new tax changes meant to ensure that all citizens were contributing towards the tax system on an equal basis, Schlettwein said.
“The proposals seek to strengthen equity and progressivity of the tax system. I need to reiterate the fact that the proposals are still being consulted on, since being announced during the tabling of the current budget in March this year,” Schlettwein said.
According to him, a working group will be established soon to guide the ministry in the process of amending current taxes while introducing new taxes.
“We are looking forward to the revised tax proposals that will flow out of the Working Group forum which we, together with private sector stakeholders, have established. The intent of our tax proposals must remain to improve and stabilize our revenue base.”