In a statement urging taxpayers to use the amnesty period to their advantage, LRA Public Relations Manager Mr Manyathela Kheleli said defaulters have the opportunity to have their tax liabilities written off, by lodging their applications before February 28 2005.

During the amnesty period, all debtors will be absolved of their taxes, interests and penalties in an amnesty designed to widen the tax net and give incentive for taxpayers to become complaint with their tax obligations, Mr. Kheleli said.

The amnesty has been divided into two categories, the first being a total and unconditional amnesty which absolves all taxes, penalties and interest relating to the period before March 31 1999, provided taxpayers lodge their applications for amnesty.

The second absolves all interests and penalties from April 01 1999 to March 01 2003, while the principal liability still has to be paid in full, according to the public relations manager.

06 January 2005