Kalondola tax stamps boost MRA revenue

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) says its Kalondola tax stamp system is helping plug tax leakages, with some manufacturers recording up to 200 percent increases in excise tax collections.

Speaking in Blantyre on Thursday after an engagement with journalists, MRA Acting Head of Corporate Affairs Wilma Chalulu said Kalondola system tracks excise tax stamps on products, allowing MRA to account for excise duty at product level and improve revenue collection.

“Some manufacturers have recorded revenue increases of 100 percent while others have gone up by about 200 percent. This shows the system is significantly contributing to our tax revenue base,” she said.

Chalulu acknowledged concerns over suspected fake tax stamps and complaints from some manufacturers but said MRA has enforcement teams that regularly inspect products on the market.

Participants

She also encouraged consumers to verify tax stamps using MRA’s 365 mobile application, saying the platform helps confirm whether products are genuine and properly taxed.

“The app allows consumers to confirm that a product is genuine and produced by the correct manufacturer. It also helps fight counterfeit and illicit products,” she said.

On concerns that illegal imported products continue to evade taxes, Chalulu said the Kalondola system also applies to imported excisable goods.

She said importers are required to affix tax stamps at the border before products enter the local market and MRA monitors compliance through regular inspections and stamp verification.

Chalulu urged journalists to use the knowledge gained during the training to educate the public on tax obligations and help counter misinformation surrounding taxation.

“We expect the media to share accurate information so that citizens understand their tax obligations. Better understanding will encourage voluntary tax compliance and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation,” she said.